Citation

Osborn AJ, Mathias JL, Fairweather-Schmidt AK, Anstey KJ. J. Head Trauma Rehabil. 2018; 33(1): 62-72.

Affiliation

School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia (Drs Osborn and Fairweather-Schmidt, Professor Mathias); School of Psychology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia (Dr Fairweather-Schmidt); and Centre for Research on Ageing, Health & Wellbeing, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia (Professor Anstey).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/HTR.0000000000000311

PMID

28520661

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether self-reported traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are associated with "cases" of clinically significant depression in the general community. To examine interactions between variables previously linked to depression after a TBI. SETTING: Population-based community study (Canberra and Queanbeyan, Australia). PARTICIPANTS AND DESIGN: Three age cohorts: young, middle-aged, and older adults (aged 20-24, 40-44, and 60-64 years at baseline) randomly selected from the electoral roll and followed across 3 waves (4 years apart). A total of 7397, 6621, and 6042 people provided their TBI history in waves 1 to 3. MEASURES: Lifetime (TBIlifetime: sustained at any time since birth), recent (TBIrecent: in the preceding 4 years), and multiple (TBImultiple: more than 1) TBIs, current depression, and known risk factors for depression (age, sex, marital/employment status, prior history of depression, medical conditions, recent life events, alcohol consumption, social support, physical activity).

RESULTS: Generalized estimating equations demonstrated a significant association between sustaining a TBI and experiencing clinically significant depression (cases), even after controlling for multiple demographic and health/lifestyle factors.

CONCLUSION: There is an enduring association between depression and TBI, suggesting that, following a TBI, individuals should be monitored and supported to optimize their long-term psychological health.

Language: en