Association Between Recent Traumatic Brain Injury and Anxiety, Depression, and Binge Drinking Data From the Research and Development Survey.

OBJECTIVE

Research highlights a potential relationship between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychiatric disorders and substance use. However, the relationship between TBI and these conditions post-injury may be underestimated in many traditional research data sources (eg, health insurance claims).

SETTING AND

PARTICIPANTS

Nationally representative data (N = 10 320) from the Research and Development Survey (RANDS).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

MAIN MEASURES: Estimate the association between recent (past 12 months) TBI and anxiety, depression, and binge drinking among adults and examine whether this relationship was modified by sex.

RESULTS

An estimated 5.6% of adults reported experiencing a recent TBI. Among males, sustaining a TBI was associated with 1.6 to 2.4 times the prevalence of adverse mental health measures (anxiety [aPR = 1.61, 95% CIs = 1.11-2.34] and depression [aPR = 2.40, 95% CIs = 1.51-3.80]) compared to males without a TBI. Similarly, among females, sustaining a TBI was associated with 2.2 to 2.6 times the prevalence of anxiety (aPR = 2.19, 95% CIs = 1.66-2.90) and depression (aPR = 2.63, 95% CIs = 1.92-3.61). Results for binge drinking did not suggest a strong association with TBI for either sex; however, CIs were wide.

CONCLUSION

These findings can help inform treatment and management plans for TBI patients, including potential screening and referral for mental health services among individuals who have experienced a TBI.