Psychological and Neurobiological Consequences of the Gulf War Experience
Abstract
PROJECT OBJECTIVE: To examine memory function in veterans of Operation Desert Storm. SPECIFiC AIMS: To measure hippocampal volume, memory function and consistency of memory for traumatic events in veterans of Operation Desert Storm compared to reservists who did not serve in the Gulf. METHODOLOGY: MRI studies were conducted in 20 Desert Storm veterans with PTSD, 20 Desert Storm veterans without PTSD, and 20 non-deployed reservists. Memory function, trauma-related symptoms, general psychopathology, identification of specific months of best and worst functioning, identification of specific traumas experienced in the Gulf and consistency of memory for traumatic events were also assessed in a cohort of Gulf war veterans. STATUS/RESULTS TO DATE: In one study, anniversary reactions occurred with a frequency greater than chance and most often in individuals exposed to a greater number of traumatic events. In a separate study, all subjects had one or more inconsistencies in their reports of previously experienced traumas. Inconsistencies were noted for both objective and subjective events. Subjects provided multiple explanations for changes in their 1 month, 2 year and 6 year reports. The results of neuropsychological and MRI studies have not yet been analyzed but data collection has been completed in sixty subjects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA396247
Entities
People
- Steven Southwick