Citation

Zgaljardic DJ, Seale GS, Schaefer LS, Temple RO, Foreman J, Elliott TR. J. Neurotrauma 2015; 32(23): 1911-1925.

Affiliation

Transitional Learning Center, Neuropsychology , 1528 Postoffice Street , Galveston, Texas, United States , 77550 , 409-797-1472 ; dzgaljardic@tlc-galveston.org.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/neu.2014.3569

PMID

25629222

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. While the experience of psychiatric symptoms may be temporary and resolve in the acute period, many patients with TBI can experience psychopathology that is persistent or develop 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 will consider the common psychiatric problems afflicting individuals with TBI in the post-acute period including personality changes, psychosis, executive dysfunction, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. While treatment considerations (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) will be 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 will also be discussed.

Language: en