OBJECTIVES: We aim to elucidate psychosocial and injury features contributing to SI following concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and the time course for its development.
METHODS: Between 1998 and 2012, a sample of 871 patients referred to a follow-up clinic after concussion treatment in an urban tertiary care ED were consecutively offered enrollment at 3 months post injury. Data from psychiatric and social-demographic assessments were consecutively collected at two visits (3 and 6 months after injury) respectively. Chi-square and t-tests were performed to identify associations between variables related with SI. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated.
RESULTS: During the enrolment period, 2296 patients with mTBI presented to the ED. 871 adults completed psychiatric and social demographic clinic assessments at 3 months, and 500 returned at 6 months. Suicidal ideation was expressed by 6.3% at 3 months and 8.2% at 6 months. Regression models showed SI independently associated with: speaking English as a Second Language (ESL) and injury mechanism (MVC passenger) at 3 and 6 months; and history of depression and marital status at 3 months only.
CONCLUSIONS: SI is common 3 months after mTBI, and appears more at 6 month follow up. These findings suggest earlier screening for predisposing factors and closer monitoring of those at risk for suicidality.