Mental health disorders after traumatic brain injury in a New Zealand caseload

This study investigated psychological disorders for patients receiving traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation within a community-based TBI service in New Zealand.

Cross-sectional study involving retrospective review of clinical notes for all referrals received in a 6-month period. This methodology was selected to gain a sample of individuals reflective of the range of patients seen in TBI rehabilitation services in New Zealand.

The clinical records for 279 patients were reviewed for formal psychiatric diagnoses and references to moderate or severe psychological symptoms.

Of the clinical records, 57.7% noted significant psychological problems post-injury (n = 161) and 8.6% had a psychiatric diagnosis recorded, with 10.8% reporting psychological disorders pre-injury. In comparison, 15.1% had input from a clinical psychologist and 2.2% had involvement from a mental health team.

The rate of psychological symptoms was significantly higher post-TBI than pre-TBI and few of the patients reporting significant psychological symptoms were receiving intervention from mental health professionals. Further research is needed regarding the ability of TBI rehabilitation professionals in New Zealand to identify and respond to the psychological implications of TBI and on the ability of TBI and mental health teams to liaise effectively.