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Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms after severe traumatic brain injury in a representative community sample.
Authors:
Williams, W.H., Evans, J.J., WILSON, B.A. & Needham, P.
Reference:
Brain Injury, 16(8), 673-679, August 2002
Year of publication:
2002
CBU number:
5104
Abstract:
Primary Objective In this study the authors investigated the prevalence of symptoms of Posttraumatic stress Disorder (PTSD) in a community sample of 66 survivors of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Research Design, Method and Procedures A representative sample of survivors of TBI were selected on the basis of having suffered significant disturbance in consciousness following their trauma event in the form of coma and/ or post-traumatic amnesia. Neuropsychological testing confirmed that participants had suffered cognitive deficits consistent with severe brain injury. Participants were administered the Impact of Events inventory for symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Main Outcomes and Results The authors found a prevalence rate of 18 percent for moderate to severe PTSD symptoms. Conclusions PTSD symptoms are common following severe TBI. Further research is needed to establish protective and predictive factors for PTSD in TBI groups.
