Psychiatric comorbidity following traumatic brain injury

Jeffrey M. Rogers*, Christina A. Read

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

193 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Primary objective: Survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at increased risk for development of severe, long-term psychiatric disorders. However, the aetiology of these disorders remains unclear. This article systematically reviews the most current prevalence rates and evidence for causality, in terms of established criteria. Main outcome and results: Psychiatric syndromes are consistently present at an elevated rate following TBI. Survivors of TBI are particularly susceptible to major depression, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Evidence for a biological gradient is generally lacking, although this criterion may not be appropriate in the case of TBI. The temporal pattern of onset is variable and reliable critical periods for the post-injury development of a psychiatric disorder remain to be identified; however, individuals appear to remain at risk for years following injury. Conclusions: Non-organic factors, including pre-morbid personality traits and post-injury psychological reactions to disability and trauma, are implicated in the generation and maintenance of post-TBI psychiatric disorder. There remains insufficient evidence to conclude what role the neuropathological consequences of TBI play in the development of post-TBI psychiatric disorder.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1321-1333
Number of pages13
JournalBrain Injury
Volume21
Issue number13-14
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Outcome
  • Psychiatric
  • Traumatic brain injury

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