Prevalence and risk factors for depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation in youth with persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS).

Objectives

To assess the prevalence and risk factors for emotional distress in youth with persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS) greater than one month.

Methods

We used baseline data from an intervention study for youth with PPCS, utilizing Poisson regression to examine factors associated with exceeding clinical cut-points on measures of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidal ideation. Predictors included: age, sex, socioeconomic status, mental health history, duration of concussion symptoms, history of prior concussion, trauma history and sleep quality.

Results

The sample included 200 youth with PPCS, (mean 14.7 SD 1.7 years, 82% white, 62% female). Forty percent reported clinically significant depressive symptoms, 25% anxiety, 14% thoughts of self-harm and 8% thoughts of suicide. History of depression was associated with 3-fold higher risk for thoughts of self-harm (95% CI:1.82-6.99) and 6-fold higher risk for suicidal ideation (95% CI:1.74-24.46). Better sleep quality was associated with lower risk for all outcomes. History of prior concussion and duration of PPCS were not significantly associated with any outcomes.

Conclusions

Suicidal thoughts are common post-concussion, and history of depression is a strong risk factor. Tailored interventions may be needed to address mental health in this population.