Mild Traumatic Brain Injury,PTSD, and Psychosocial Functioning Among Male and Female U.S. OEF/OIF Veterans |
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| Authors: | Colleen E. Jackson Jonathan D. Green Michelle J. Bovin Jennifer J. Vasterling Darren W. Holowka Gayatri Ranganathan Raymond C. Rosen Terence M. Keane Brian P. Marx |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;2. Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;3. Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;4. Research Service, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;5. National Center for PTSD–Behavioral Sciences Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;6. New England Research Institutes, Watertown, Massachusetts, USA |
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| Abstract: | This study examined the unique and combined relationship between mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with psychosocial functioning in a cohort of 1,312 U.S. male and female veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF) enrolled in the Veterans After‐Discharge Longitudinal Registry (Project VALOR). We assessed mTBI with structured screening questions reflective of current TBI classification standards and PTSD via the SCID‐IV PTSD module; all other variables were assessed by self‐report questionnaires. We identified significant diagnostic group differences in psychosocial functioning for both sexes. Individuals with PTSD, with or without a history of mTBI, reported significantly worse psychosocial functioning than individuals with mTBI alone or neither mTBI nor PTSD (males, η2p = .11, p < .001; females, η2p = .14, p < .001), even after adjusting for demographics and severity of chronic pain. The results suggested that veterans experiencing PTSD, regardless of whether they had a history of mTBI, were at increased risk for long‐term psychosocial impairment. Further research examining possible benefits from improved access to resources and treatment to address these needs would be valuable. |
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