Citation

Finnanger TG, Olsen A, Skandsen T, Lydersen S, Vik A, Evensen KA, Catroppa C, Håberg AK, Andersson S, Indredavik MS. Behav. Neurol. 2015; 2015: e329241.

Affiliation

Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare-Central Norway, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway ; Division of Mental Healthcare, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7006 Trondheim, Norway.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, IOS Press)

DOI

10.1155/2015/329241

PMID

26549936

PMCID

PMC4621342

Abstract

Survivors of moderate-severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are at risk for long-term cognitive, emotional, and behavioural problems. This prospective cohort study investigated self-reported executive, emotional, and behavioural problems in the late chronic phase of moderate and severe TBI, if demographic characteristics (i.e., age, years of education), injury characteristics (Glasgow Coma Scale score, MRI findings such as traumatic axonal injury (TAI), or duration of posttraumatic amnesia), symptoms of depression, or neuropsychological variables in the first year after injury predicted long-term self-reported function. Self-reported executive, emotional, and behavioural functioning were assessed among individuals with moderate and severe TBI (N = 67, age range 15-65 years at time of injury) 2-5 years after TBI, compared to a healthy matched control group (N = 72).

RESULTS revealed significantly more attentional, emotional regulation, and psychological difficulties in the TBI group than controls. Demographic and early clinical variables were associated with poorer cognitive and emotional outcome. Fewer years of education and depressive symptoms predicted greater executive dysfunction. Younger age at injury predicted more aggressive and rule-breaking behaviour. TAI and depressive symptoms predicted Internalizing problems and greater executive dysfunction. In conclusion, age, education, TAI, and depression appear to elevate risk for poor long-term outcome, emphasising the need for long-term follow-up of patients presenting with risk factors.

Language: en