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Aggression after traumatic brain injury: prevalence and correlates
Vani Rao1, Paul Rosenberg, Melaine Bertrand
1Division of Neuropsychiatry & Geriatric Psychiatry, Dept. of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University, 5300 Alpha Commons Dr., 4th Floor, #444, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA. vrao@jhmi.edu
The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
|December 10, 2009
Summary
Aggression is common after traumatic brain injury (TBI), affecting 28.4% of patients, mainly through verbal outbursts. This aggression links to depression and functional decline, highlighting the need for early intervention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Aggression is a frequent yet poorly understood consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Understanding the prevalence and correlates of post-TBI aggression is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of aggression in individuals following a first-time TBI.
- To identify factors associated with aggression in the early post-TBI period.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-seven participants with a first-time TBI were assessed for aggression within three months of injury.
- Data collected included aggression assessment, depression status, social functioning, activities of daily living, substance abuse history, and behavioral problems.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of aggression post-TBI was 28.4%, with verbal aggression being the most common form.
- Post-TBI aggression showed significant associations with new-onset major depression (p=0.02), reduced social functioning (p=0.04), and increased dependency in activities of daily living (p=0.03).
- No significant association was found between post-TBI aggression and substance abuse history or prior behavioral issues.
Conclusions:
- Aggression is a notable issue following TBI, often manifesting verbally.
- Early identification of aggression and co-occurring depression is recommended.
- Psychosocial support should be considered for aggressive TBI patients to improve outcomes.
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