Co-morbid traumatic brain injury and substance use disorder: Childhood predictors and adult correlates

Abstract

Primary objective: To examine demographic factors, childhood experiences and behaviour problems and adult psychopathology associated with a history of adult traumatic brain injury (TBI) with unconsciousness in patients with substance use disorders (SUD).

Design and methods: Voluntary patients (n = 550) undergoing treatment for SUD were compared for clinical and demographic variables based on report of TBI.

Results: Among the 218 (40%) patients reporting TBI, 61% were men. Childhood conduct problems and loss of a parent were strongly associated with adult TBI. Patients with TBI had more severe SUD and higher rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms, somatic concerns, physical trauma, attempted suicide and Antisocial Personality Disorder.

Conclusions: Men have a higher rate of TBI than women, but women with SUD have an increased relative risk of TBI compared to women in the general population. Childhood conduct problems and loss of a parent in childhood may predict adult risk-taking behaviour that leads to TBI in patients with SUD. TBI is associated with higher rates of psychopathology in patients with SUD.

• Traumatic brain injury
• substance-related disorders
• antisocial personality disorder
• comorbidity
• conduct disorder