Study Description and Background

This project will determine whether methods drawn from basic science can robustly detect the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and/or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on executive function. Although TBI often occurs in the context of a traumatic event, very little research has attempted to disentangle the effects of TBI from PTSD, which also compromises executive function.

Of note, standard neuropsychological testing methods are ineffective in distinguishing between these groups.

The purpose of this project is to:

1. To determine whether tasks taken from cognitive neuroscience can detect and distinguish impairments in executive function in individuals with:
   • mild TBI
   • PTSD or
   • mild TBI+PTSD;
2. to determine whether performance on these tasks is linked to outcomes suicidality; and
3. to determine whether information regarding brain anatomy can provide additional information above and beyond behavioral performance in distinguishing between these groups.

This study seeks to compare test performance among four well-defined groups of Veterans:

1. History of active duty-related mild TBI and history of active duty-related PTSD
2. History of active duty-related mild TBI and no history of active duty-related PTSD
3. No history of active duty-related mild TBI and history of active duty-related PTSD
4. No history of active duty-related mild TBI and no history of active duty-related PTSD

Research Opportunity for Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans

To find out how to volunteer for the study please:

• download the recruitment flyer
• download the project brochure or
• visit the Contact page of this website.