WORKING MEMORY IN FEMALE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate selected cognitive functions in victims of domestic violence, and to examine the correlation between these functions and the intensity of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Material and methods. Psychomotor speed and visuospatial working memory were evaluated by the means of the Trail Making Test (TMT) A and B. The presence and intensity of PTSD symptoms were measured with Watson's PTSD Interview. Results. PTSD symptoms of varying intensity were found in 97.8% of the female victims of domestic violence in the group examined. Extreme or severe intensity was found among half of the subjects. Psychomotor speed was impaired in 71.9%, while reduced visuospatial working memory (VWM) efficiency was found in 67.2% of the examined group. The intensity of PTSD symptoms significantly correlated with prolonged performance time on part B of the TMT. Age correlated with prolonged performance time in both parts B and A. Conclusions. PTSD is commonly found among victims of domestic violence. Victims of domestic violence display deficits in working memory efficiency. Cognitive disorders are an essential element of the clinical picture of PTSD.