Research aim: The overall aim is to gain a deeper understanding of cognitive impairments across PTSD-populations and to provide a better understanding of how the profile and severity of cognitive deficits may affect treatment outcomes.
Design: Longitudinal study
Population: The study will include traumatized refugees (n=256) and Danish civilian (n=171). In total 427 participants all of which have a confirmed PTSD diagnosis.
Methods: The study will be part of a large RCT carried out at Competence center for Transcultural Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Unit at Psychiatric Center Ballerup. At baseline, cognitive function will be tested for all participants using a cognitive test battery which is based on the European Cross-Cultural Neuropsychological Test Battery (CNTB). The scope includes both the Danish civilian and refugee PTSD population, allowing for comparisons of cognitive function across the spectrum of symptom severity, socio-economic status, and cultural backgrounds.
Primary investigator: Katherine Freeman, Msc Psychology, upcoming PhD student
Supervisors: Jessica Carlsson, MD, PhD, Erik Vindbjerg, Msc Psychology, PhD, Rune Nielsen, Msc Psychology, PhD