Background
Pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown acute stress may impair working memory
and visuo-spatial ability. This study was designed to clarify the nature of stress-induced
cognitive deficits in soldiers and how such deficits may contribute to operational
or battlefield errors.
Methods
One hundred eighty-four Special Operations warfighters enrolled in Survival School
completed pre-stress measures of dissociation and trauma exposure. Subjects were randomized
to one of three assessment groups (Pre-stress, Stress, Post-stress) and were administered
the Rey Ostereith Complex Figure (ROCF). All subjects completed post-stress measures
of dissociation.
Results
ROCF copy and recall were normal in the Pre- and Post-stress groups. ROCF copy and
recall were significantly impaired in the Stress Group. Stress group ROCF copy performance
was piecemeal, and ROCF recall was impaired. Symptoms of dissociation were negatively
associated with ROCF recall in the Stress group. Baseline dissociation and history
of traumatic stress predicted cognitive impairment during stress.
Conclusions
Stress exposure impaired visuo-spatial capacity and working memory. In rats, monkeys,
and humans, high dopamine and NE turnover in the PFC induce deficits in cognition
and spatial working memory. Improved understanding of stress-induced cognitive deficits
may assist in identification of soldiers at risk and lead to the development of better
countermeasures.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 25, 2006
Accepted:
April 24,
2006
Received in revised form:
April 24,
2006
Received:
February 8,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
