Abstract
BACKGROUND: Disturbances in memory following trauma exposure are central to the development of posttraumatic stress disorders. Whether traumatic memories directly or indirectly affect symptoms of other disorders like depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) remains unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that traumatic memories are directly related to depression and GAD symptoms, independent of posttraumatic stress symptoms. METHOD: Cross-sectional data from quasi-representative samples from Ukraine (N = 2050) and the United Kingdom (N = 975) were analysed. Posttraumatic distress was measured according to the ICD-11 description (i.e., posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] and disturbances in self-organization [DSO] symptoms). RESULTS: Traumatic memories were strongly, positively, and significantly correlated with PTSD, DSO, depression, and GAD symptoms. Controlling for PTSD symptoms, traumatic memories remained positively (p < 0.001) associated with depression (β = 0.37- 0.41) and GAD (β = 0.35- 0.36) symptoms. Controlling for PTSD and DSO symptoms, associations remained positive and significant (β = 0.11-.21, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Traumatic memories were associated with depression and GAD symptoms, independent of the effects of posttraumatic stress symptoms. These findings are consistent with the proposition that traumatic memories are directly related to depression and GAD symptoms, as well as posttraumatic stress symptoms. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.