Prevalence of traumatic brain injury in psychiatric and non-psychiatric subjects

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its sequelae may impact the expression and treatment of psychiatric disorders. The prevalence of TBI in psychiatric patients is unknown and investigations in the general population are limited. This study examined the prevalence of TBI with loss of consciousness in mental health setting patients (n = 231), general hospital and university staff and students (n = 534) and non-psychiatric medical clinical patients (n = 59). The Traumatic Brain Injury Questionnaire was used to assess TBI. A greater percentage of psychiatric patients reported TBI than medical patients or staff and students. Traumatic brain injuries were typically mild--moderate, medical assistance was frequently sought and use of alcohol and drugs was reported in a minority of TBI incidents. Multiple injuries were most common in psychiatric patients. The percentage of medical patients and staff and students reporting TBI was similar to previous research. The greater percentage of psychiatric patients reporting TBI indicates the need to assess TBI in this population. The role of TBI in the emergence, expression and treatment outcome of psychiatric disorders and the risk factors that leave psychiatric patients vulnerable to TBI should be further examined.