Cognitive deficits and posttraumatic stress disorder in children: A diagnostic dilemma illustrated through a case study

Abstract

Studies investigating the neuropsychological functioning of children who experience trauma have predominantly focused on maltreated populations. This article presents a case study that details the longitudinal outcome of a girl who experienced a motor vehicle accident at 5 years of age. It highlights the clinical relevance of research investigating the neuropsychological impact of single-incident trauma on children. It illustrates difficulties clinicians face in discriminating between the effects of developmental delay, traumatic brain injury, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, trauma, and posttraumatic stress symptoms or posttraumatic stress disorder, especially in children with compensable injuries. The state of the current literature is discussed, and directions for future research are provided.

Neurocognitive predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in children 6 months after traumatic brain injury: A prospective study.

“…PTSD-TBI comorbidity presents a significant clinical challenge in terms of both assessment and treatment. The differential diagnosis of TBI (particularly its sequelae) and PTSD is complex due to overlapping clinical symptoms and features, and can be further complicated by compensation-related factors (Malarbi, Muscara, & Stargatt, 2015). This overlap in symptoms also raises questions about whether any injury related factors underlie the development of PTSD after TBI, particularly any neurocognitive mechanisms that are vulnerable to the effect of TBI.…”

Terror leaves adolescents behind: Identifying risk and protective factors for high‐school completion among survivors of terrorism

“…Experiencing terrorism in adolescence may have a detrimental impact on adolescents’ cognition and learning (Pfefferbaum et al., 2016; Schultz & Skarstein, 2021; Shany, 2016; Stene et al., 2019; Strøm et al., 2016). More specifically, the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to cognitive deficits and disturbances, which can lead to poor cognitive functioning (Cisler & Herringa, 2021; Malarbi et al., 2016; Scott et al., 2015; Thompson et al., 2020). Adolescence is a crucial time when individuals begin to get established on their own and find their path in life.…”

“…Less is known about associations between trauma‐related physical injuries and academic performance. In the aftermath of a traumatic event, PTSS may impair one's memory and make it difficult to concentrate in school (Malarbi et al., 2016; Scott et al., 2015). A review by Perfect et al.…”

“…Less is known about associations between trauma-related physical injuries and academic performance. In the aftermath of a traumatic event, PTSS may impair one's memory and make it difficult to concentrate in school (Malarbi et al, 2016;Scott et al, 2015). A review by Perfect et al ( 2016) examining school-related outcomes among traumatized youth found significant associations between trauma exposure and subsequent PTSS, impaired cognitive functioning, lower academic performance, and social-emotional behavioral problems.…”

“…which can lead to poor cognitive functioning (Cisler & Herringa, 2021;Malarbi et al, 2016;Scott et al, 2015;Thompson et al, 2020). Adolescence is a crucial time when individuals begin to get established on their own and find their path in life.…”