Citation

Garden N, Sullivan KA. Appl. Neuropsychol. 2010; 17(1): 1-7.

Affiliation

Clinical Neuropsychology Research Group, School of Psychology and Counseling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09084280903297495

PMID

20146116

Abstract

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a controversial constellation of cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms that some patients experience following a mild traumatic brain injury or concussion. PCS-like symptoms are commonly found in individuals with depression, pain, and stress, as well as healthy individuals. This study investigated the base rate of PCS symptoms in a healthy sample of 96 participants and examined the relationship between these symptoms, depression, and sample demographics. PCS symptoms were assessed using the British-Columbia Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory. Depression was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory II. Results demonstrated that: The base rate of PCS was very high; there was a strong positive relationship between depression and PCS; and demographic characteristics were not related to PCS in this sample. These findings are broadly consistent with literature suggesting a significant role for non-neurological factors in the expression of PCS symptomatology. This study adds to the growing body of literature that calls for caution in the clinical interpretation of results from PCS symptom inventories.

Language: en