Language in PTSD

This pilot study investigates whether individuals with PTSD (IWPs) – in general and during flashbacks – exhibit linguistic deficits reminiscent of Broca’s aphasia. The study is motivated by research documenting Working Memory (WM) deficits in IWPs as well as lower activity in Broca’s area (BA 44-45) during flashbacks specifically. A novel theory suggests that Broca’s aphasia arises from general resource reductions – likely in WM capacity – prompting more economical language production. If this theory is correct, it predicts a similar response in other groups experiencing resource reductions, e.g. IWPs. In the present study, we analyzed the language of two IWPs and two matched con­trols across three comparisons: (1) IWP in flashback vs. not in flashback, (2) IWP not in flashback vs. control and (3) IWP in flashback vs. control. We found significant differences in terms of variables associated with Broca’s aphasia when IWPs were compared to controls as well as when compared to themselves while not experiencing flashback. The results support the idea of a temporary language deficit during flashback as well as a milder deficit in IWPs in general. The results additionally support the novel theory of Broca’s aphasia in so far as predictions derived from the theory were confirmed.