POSTTRAUMATIC-STRESS-DISORDER IN PATIENTS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURYAND AMNESIA FOR THE EVENT

Frequency of DSM-III-R posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was studie d in 47 active-duty service members (46 male, 1 female; mean age 27+/- 7) with moderate traumatic brain injury and neurogenic amnesia for the event. Patients had attained ''oriented and cooperative'' recovery le vel. When evaluated with a modified Present State Examination and othe r questions at various points from study entry to 24-month follow-up, no patients met full criteria for PTSD or met criterion B (reexperienc e); 6 (13%) met both C (avoidance) and D (arousal) criteria. Five of t hese 6 also had organic mood disorder, depressed type, and/or organic anxiety disorder. Posttraumatic amnesia following moderate head injury may protect against recurring memories and the development of PTSD. S ome patients with neurogenic amnesia may develop a form of PTSD withou t the reexperiencing symptoms.