Cognitive functioning is in a negative correlation with severity of traumatic experiences, with severity of symptoms of PTSD, depressiveness and anxiety of war veterans in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the 1992-1995 war

Abstract

Objective

The objective was to examine correlations between a level of cognitive functioning and severity of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression symptoms and anxiety symptoms.

Subjects and Methods 

PTSD presence was tested on 104 war veterans together with depression and anxiety symptoms and a level of cognitive functioning.  We applied Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) to access traumatic experiences and intensity of PTSD symptoms and Hopkins Symptom Scale (SBCL 25) for depression and anxiety severity while Mini mental status (MMSE) was applied for aggravated cognitive functioning. 

Results

The average age of tested war veterans was 50,6 years (standard deviation -SD = 5,2 years). Cognitive functioning level was in a negative correlation with traumatic experiences severity (Pearson’s r = -0,310, p = 0,001), with the intensity of PTSD symptoms and the intensity of depression and anxiety symptoms (Pearson’s r = -0,649, p <0.001; r = -0,606, p <0.001, r = -0,566, p <0,001, respectively).

Conclusion

Severity of traumatic experiences, severity of PTSD symptoms as well as the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms decreased cognitive functioning of war veterans seventeen years after the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.