Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms after severe traumatic brain injury in a representative community sample

Primary objective: In this study, the authors investigated the prevalence of symptoms of post-traumatic 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 PTSD. Main outcomes and results: The authors found a prevalence rate of 18% 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.