Psychiatric Disease and Post-Acute Traumatic Brain Injury

Dennis J. Zgaljardic, Gary S. Seale, Lynn A. Schaefer, Richard O. Temple, Jack Foreman, Timothy R. Elliott

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

Psychiatric disorders are common following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and can include depression, anxiety, and psychosis, as well as other maladaptive behaviors and personality changes. The epidemiologic data of psychiatric disorders post-TBI vary widely, although the incidence and prevalence rates typically are higher than in the general population. Although the experience of psychiatric symptoms may be temporary and may resolve in the acute period, many patients with TBI can experience psychopathology that is persistent or that develops in the post-acute period. Long-term psychiatric disorder, along with cognitive and physical sequelae and greater risk for substance use disorders, can pose a number of life-long challenges for patients and their caregivers, as they can interfere with participation in rehabilitation as well as limit functional independence in the community. The current review of the literature considers the common psychiatric problems affecting individuals with TBI in the post-acute period, including personality changes, psychosis, executive dysfunction, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. Although treatment considerations (pharmacological and nonpharmacological) are referred to, an extensive description of such protocols is beyond the scope of the current review. The impact of persistent psychiatric symptoms on perceived caregiver burden and distress is also discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1911-1925
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of neurotrauma
Volume32
Issue number23
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2015

Keywords

  • TBI
  • caregiver distress
  • maladaptive behaviors
  • mood disorder

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Psychiatric Disease and Post-Acute Traumatic Brain Injury'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this