Traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder: a preliminary investigation of neuropsychological test results in PTSD secondary to motor vehicle accidents

• Published in: Brain injury Vol. 12; no. 4; pp. 265 - 274
• Main Authors: HICKLING, E. J., GILLEN, R., BLANCHARD, E. B., BUCKLEY, T., TAYLOR, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Informa UK Ltd 01-04-1998; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Accidents, Traffic; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Brain Injuries - psychology; Cognition - physiology; Female; Humans; Injuries of the nervous system and the skull. Diseases due to physical agents; Interview, Psychological; Male; Medical sciences; Neuropsychological Tests; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - psychology; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; Human; Nervous system diseases; Posttraumatic syndrome; Consciousness impairment; Craniocerebral; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Anxiety disorder; Traffic accident; Psychometrics; Motor vehicle; Trauma; Stress; Cerebral disorder; Central nervous system disease; Skull disease; Complication; Evolution; Neurological disorder; Predictive factor; Faint
• ISSN: 0269-9052; 1362-301X
• DOI: 10.1080/026990598122566

This study investigated the effect of traumatic brain injury on the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Subjects were 107 motor vehicle accident survivors including 38% individuals who were diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Neuropsychological testing was administered to all subjects during an initial diagnostic evaluation. Results showed that subjects who had lost consciousness during their MVA had greater impairment on speed dependent tests and delayed recall of verbal material. Subjects who suffered traumatic brain injury (TBI) were also found to have developed PTSD as often as those who had not reported (TBI). Implications for future research and clinical utility are discussed.