Citation

Zachar-Tirado CN, Donders J. Brain Inj. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/02699052.2021.1895315

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

To determine if the GAD-7 provides incremental value, predicting a final diagnosis of an anxiety disorder after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Retrospective analysis of archival data of 100 patients with TBI, who underwent neuropsychological evaluation 1-12 months after injury. Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis determined the optimal cutoff point for clinically significant symptoms on the GAD-7. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses determined the relative contributions of premorbid psychiatric history, injury severity, and GAD-7 results in predicting a final diagnosis of anxiety disorder. GAD-7 cutoff point of ≥7 yielded the best combination of sensitivity and specificity regarding a final diagnosis of anxiety disorder. Within hierarchical logistic regression models, injury severity did not statistically significantly add to prior psychiatric history in predicting a final diagnosis of anxiety disorder. When GAD-7 was added, it made a statistically significant contribution in accounting for such a diagnosis and increased sensitivity from 71% to 91%. The GAD-7 holds diagnostic utility as a screening measure for anxiety disorders in patients with TBI. It should not be used in isolation but as part of a more comprehensive interview and history. The GAD-7 can benefit clinicians in assisting with timelier identification and treatment of symptoms of anxiety.

Language: en

Keywords

Traumatic brain injury; concussion; anxiety disorder; GAD-7; premorbid mental health