J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 1997; 9:23-28
Copyright © 1997 by American Neuropsychiatric Association
Neuropsychological findings in a sample of Operation Desert Storm veterans
BN Axelrod and IB Milner
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Allen Park, Michigan 48101, USA.
In response to ongoing complaints of memory, attention, and problem-
solving difficulties among veterans of Operation Desert Storm and Shield
(ODSS), a sample of 44 male veterans of ODSS underwent a comprehensive
neuropsychological evaluation. Deficits relative to normative data were
observed only on finger dexterity (Grooved Pegboard, bilaterally) and the
Stroop Color and Word Test. Those with impaired Pegboard performance had
lower performance on other tasks requiring psychomotor speed. Those with
impaired Stroop had significantly lower motor and set-shifting performance.
Scores of both impaired groups were higher on many clinical and
supplemental scales of the MMPI. Despite subjective cognitive complaints
reported in 39% of the overall sample, veterans with cognitive complaints
differed from their peers primarily in greater psychological distress as
depicted on the MMPI. The data are presented as preliminary clinical
findings.
