The prevalence and symptom rates of depression after traumatic brain injury: a comprehensive examination

Primary objective: Differing definitions of depression, limited sample size s, and variability in methodologies have contributed to equivocal findings about the prevalence of depression among persons with traumatic brain injur y. The present investigation used standardized diagnostic criteria and a la rge sample to identify the manifestations of depression after TBI. Methods and procedures: 722 outpatients with brain injury, referred for com prehensive assessment at a regional Level I trauma centre, were studied. De pressive symptoms were characterized utilizing standard DSM-IV criteria and the Neurobehavioural Functioning Inventory. Results: Forty-two per cent of patients with brain injury met the prerequis ite number of symptoms for a DSM-IV diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Fatigue (46%), frustration (41%), and poor concentration (38%) were the mo st commonly cited manifestations of depression. Conclusions: Many patients with brain injury are at great risk for developi ng depressive disorders. Future research should focus on prognostic factors , developing protocols for identification of high risk patients, and examin ing the efficacy of treatment interventions.