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Prevalence and Predictors of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Adults One Year Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Population-based Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 November 2013

Suzanne Barker-Collo ,
Alice Theadom ,
Shanthi Ameratunga ,
Kelly Jones ,
Amy Jones ,
Nicola Starkey  and
Valery L. Feigin
Suzanne Barker-Collo*
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Alice Theadom
Affiliation:
National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neuroscience, School of Rehabilitation and Occupation Studies, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
Shanthi Ameratunga
Affiliation:
School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Kelly Jones
Affiliation:
National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neuroscience, School of Rehabilitation and Occupation Studies, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
Amy Jones
Affiliation:
National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neuroscience, School of Rehabilitation and Occupation Studies, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
Nicola Starkey
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
Valery L. Feigin
Affiliation:
National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neuroscience, School of Rehabilitation and Occupation Studies, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
*
Address for correspondence: Suzanne Barker-Collo PhD, Department of Psychology, Tamaki Campus, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. E-mail: s.barker-collo@auckland.ac.nz
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Abstract

Objective: Experiencing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may increase the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, this has not been examined in a population-based context. This study examined prevalence and predictors (demographic and injury related) of PTSD 1 year after TBI in a population-based sample.

Method: A population-based TBI incidence and outcomes study was conducted in Hamilton and Waikato Districts of New Zealand over 12 months (February 2011–March 2012) with follow-up at 1 year. The relationship of baseline demographic and TBI characteristics to PTSD (Post-traumatic Diagnostic Scale; PDS) was examined in 431 adults (>15 years old) 1 year post-TBI.

Results: On average, participants reported three PTSD symptoms, with heightened arousal being the most commonly reported. Nearly 18% of participants met criteria for PTSD. These participants were significantly more likely to report pre-TBI history of depression/anxiety, and to have drugs implicated in the injury. Regression indicated that female gender, increased loss of consciousness (LOC) and intentional injury predicted PTSD severity (R2 = .109, F[6, 294] = 6.007, p < .001) and number of symptoms (R2 = .098, F[3, 297] = 4.562, p < .001).

Conclusion: PTSD occurred as a long-term sequela in 18% of participants after TBI, with increased PTSD severity and greater number of symptoms associated with female gender, longer LOC and intentional injury. These findings have implications for identification and targeting of assessment and intervention resources towards those at greatest risk of PTSD following TBI.

Keywords

traumatic brain injurypost-traumatic stress disorder
Type
Articles
Information
Brain Impairment , Volume 14 , Issue 3 , December 2013 , pp. 425 - 435
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Australian Academic Press Pty Ltd 2013 

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