PTSD Related Conditions Learning Difficulties for People With PTSD By Matthew Tull, PhD Matthew Tull, PhD Twitter Matthew Tull, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 09, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Daniel B. Block, MD Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD LinkedIn Twitter Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print David Schaffer / Getty Images If you have PTSD, you may know that it can increase your risk for learning difficulties. Like many people, you may tend to think of learning difficulties as largely concerned with education. But learning difficulties can also involve such important areas of your daily life as memory and attention. Specific Types of Learning Difficulties in PTSD If you do have memory or attention problems, you aren't alone: Many people with PTSD struggle with these learning difficulties. Here are some examples. How are you at remembering words, facts, and details of things that happened in the past? Compared with people who don't have it, people with PTSD tend to have problems with remembering: Words (verbal memory) Facts and other important information, such as appointments Specific details of past events, especially with regard to traumatic events They may also have difficulty concentrating and be easily distracted, which makes it hard for them to pay attention when doing tasks. Difficulty concentrating is one of a number of common symptoms of PTSD. Press Play for Advice On Completing Tasks Hosted by Editor-in-Chief and therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares how to get tasks done with a science-backed trick known as 'temptation bundling.' Click below to listen now. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / RSS Why Does PTSD Affect Memory and Attention? There are a number of reasons why people with PTSD may have these learning difficulties. High Levels of Anxiety. When you're feeling very anxious, it can interfere with the way your brain encodes information into your memory. That can make it harder for you to remember minor details. High anxiety levels may also limit your ability to notice things that are going on around you or interfere with your ability to focus on a task. This can happen when you feel so anxious about being anxious that that becomes all or most of what you can think about. Depression and Substance Abuse. A person with PTSD who has either or both of these disorders—especially substance abuse—is even more likely to have problems with memory and attention. Problems Sleeping. As you may know, many people with PTSD have difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep. If that sounds like you, and you're less alert during the day as a result, you're likely to be less able to remember things and focus your attention effectively. PTSD: Symptoms and Diagnosis Getting Help for Learning Difficulties If you have PTSD and are having problems with your memory or ability to focus your attention, there are a number of easy techniques that you can use to remember and focus better. You may also benefit from learning techniques for controlling your attention, such as mindfulness. And here's some good news: Your PTSD therapy to reduce your symptoms may also help with any learning difficulties you have. It's been shown that people who are successfully treated for their PTSD often find that other areas of their lives improve as well. If you think you may have one or more learning difficulties in addition to PTSD, and you don't yet have a healthcare provider who can work with you to set up a treatment plan, it may be time to look for one. If you're not sure how to do this, there are several websites that offer free searches. Use them to help you locate mental health providers in your area who treat people with PTSD. PTSD: Coping, Support, and Living Well Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 8 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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