Citation

Sullivan-Singh SJ, Sawyer K, Ehde DM, Bell KR, Temkin N, Dikmen S, Williams RM, Hoffman JM. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2014; 95(6): 1100-1105.

Affiliation

Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apmr.2014.02.001

PMID

24561058

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of pain, depression, and comorbid pain and depression among a civilian sample of persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). DESIGN: Longitudinal survey design with 1-year follow up. SETTING: Data were collected during inpatient rehabilitation and in the community at one year after injury. PARTICIPANTS: The participants were 158 persons admitted to inpatient rehabilitation following moderate to severe TBI. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Depression was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9); pain was assessed with a numerical rating scale (0= no pain to 10= worst pain); participants who reported average pain ≥ 4 were classified as having pain and participants with PHQ-9 scores ≥ 10 were classified as depressed. RESULTS: Both pain and depression were more prevalent at baseline assessment (pain: 70%; depression: 31%) than at year 1 (pain: 34%; depression: 22%). Comorbid pain and depression declined from 27% at baseline to 18% at year 1. Pain was significantly associated with depression at baseline (RR: 2.62, p = .003) and at year 1 (RR: 7.98, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Pain and depression are common and frequently co-occur in persons with TBI. Whereas their frequency declined over the first year following injury, the strength of their association increased. Assessment and treatment of both conditions simultaneously may lead to improved outcomes, both early after TBI as well as over time.

Language: en