Comparing indices of objective and subjective neuropsychological impairments in service members with mild traumatic brain injury.

Neuropsychological impairments are evaluated using subjective measures and objective tests, although their relationship remains unclear. This is likely because objective data is interpreted in terms of absolute level of functioning (e.g., high average, average, low average) while subjective complaints are interpreted in terms of relative decline from premorbid levels (e.g., mild, moderate, severe). The current study calculated objective indices of estimated degree of relative decline (i.e., difference between current cognitive ability and estimated premorbid level) to compare objective and subjective indices of relative decline for military service members with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Contrary to hypotheses, more indices of absolute level of functioning were significantly correlated with subjective neuropsychological (i.e., Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory) and psychological complaints (e.g., Personality Assessment Inventory) than relative decline scores. The results suggest stronger cognitive abilities may be associated with greater cognitive reserve or emotional resilience and, thereby, less subjective complaints for individuals with TBI, regardless of the extent of neuropsychological decline experienced.