“Postconcussive” Symptoms Explained by PTSD Symptom Severity in U.S. National Guard Personnel

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the unique associations between self-report history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms on functional outcomes years after head injury. National Guard personnel (n = 608) from the mountain west who denied history of head injury (n = 342, 56.3%) and with history of mTBI (n = 266, 43.7%) were included in the present analyses. Participants completed self-report study measures of emotional (i.e., depression, PTSD symptoms), social (i.e., relationship satisfaction and perceived social support), and other general (i.e., concentration difficulties and sleep disturbance) functioning through an online survey. PTSD symptoms explained unique variance in emotional, social, and general functioning above and beyond history of mTBI. After controlling for PTSD symptoms, mTBI was not associated with current depression symptoms, relationship satisfaction, social support, concentration, or sleep difficulties. Self-report of PTSD symptoms account for emotional, social, and general functioning impairments often attributed to mTBI and labeled postconcussive syndrome. Symptoms often described as postconcussive syndrome in patients with mild traumatic brain injury may be better explained from a psychological standpoint. Patients with history of mTBI and persistent complaints should be screened for mental health conditions. If mental health concerns are present, treatment of that disorder may be indicated.

Keywords:

• Traumatic brain injury
• postconcussive syndrome
• head injury
• concussion
• trauma
• PTSD
• postdeployment concerns
• veterans
• military
• functioning

Disclosure statement

C. J. Bryan reports grant funding from the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, the Bob Woodruff Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Boeing Company, and consulting fees from Neurostat Analytical Solutions, Northrop Grumman Technical Services, and Oui Therapeutics.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported in part by research funding by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (Award No. UL1TR002538 and KL2TR002539; PI: Rozek). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the position, policy, or official views of the the National Institutes of Health.