Post-traumatic stress disorder in brain injury patients

In the absence of the recognition of the emotional sequelae following traumatic brain injury (TBI), many patients are deprived of adequate treatment. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and explore the clinical picture among TBI patients. Twenty four outpatients with diagnosed head injuries following various traumas filled out standardized questionnaires, assessing post-traumatic residuals. Thirty-three per cent of these patients met criteria for PTSD diagnosis. The clinical picture of PTSD following TBI is somewhat distinguished from those following other traumatic events. Issues concerning the specific nature of the syndrome following TBI, and the difficulties in differentiating between PTSD and postconcussive syndrome, are discussed.