Citation

Kennedy JE, Lu LH, Reid MW, Leal FO, Cooper DB. Mil. Med. 2019; 184(Suppl 1): 148-154.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Association of Military Surgeons of the United States)

DOI

10.1093/milmed/usy321

PMID

30901404

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are identified as signature injuries of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Statistics have confirmed a high incidence of PTSD among military personnel with mild TBI (mTBI) who served in these conflicts. Although receiving less attention, individuals with a history of mTBI are also at increased risk for depressive disorders. This study examines the incidence and correlates of depression in service members with a history of mTBI received an average of 4-1/2 years prior to evaluation.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 184 service members with a history of mTBI extracted from a data repository maintained at a military medical center.

RESULTS: One-third of the sample (34.2%) was clinically diagnosed with a depressive disorder in the month preceding evaluation. Of those with depression, 81% (51 of 63) were also diagnosed with PTSD. Proportionately more women than men had depression. Depression was more common among those who were undergoing a Military Evaluation Board and those who served in more than three combat deployments.

CONCLUSIONS: Results confirm chronically elevated the rates of depressive disorders and PTSD comorbidity among service members with a history of mTBI. Depression screening and treatment within the Military Health System should remain a priority for service members reporting a remote history of mTBI. Individuals with chronic PTSD, women, service members undergoing MEB and those who served in greater than three combat deployments are at particular risk.

© The Author 2019. Published by Oxford University Press [on behalf of Association of Military Surgeons of the United States]. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Language: en

Keywords

Military; PTSD; depression; mild TBI