Incidence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Burned Service Members: Preliminary Report

Abstract

Although sustaining physical injury in theater increases service members' risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), exposure to explosive munitions may increase the risk of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The authors hypothesized a higher incidence of PTSD and mTBI in service members who sustained both burn and explosion injuries than in nonexplosion-exposed service members. A retrospective review of PTSD and mTBI assessments was completed on burned service members between September 2005 and August 2006. Subjects were divided into cohort groups: (1) PTSD and mTBI, (2) PTSD and no mTBI, (3) mTBI and no PTSD, (4) no mTBI and no PTSD. Specific criteria used for group classification were based on subjects' total score on the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, Military version (PCL-M), a clinical interview, and record review to meet American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine criteria for mTBI. Descriptive analyses were used. Results showed that 76 service members met the inclusion criteria. The incidence rate of PTSD was 32% and mTBI was 41%. Eighteen percent screened positive for PTSD and mTBI; 13% screened positive for PTSD, but not mTBI; 23% screened positive for mTBI but not PTSD; 46% did not screen positive for either PTSD or mTBI. The authors conclude that given the high incidence of these disorders in burned service members, further screening of PTSD and TBI appears warranted. Because symptom presentation in PTSD and mTBI is clinically similar at acute and subacute stages, and treatments can vary widely, further research investigating symptom profiles of PTSD and mTBI is warranted.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA480316

Entities

People

  • Douglas B Cooper
  • Jan E. Kennedy
  • Janyna M. Mercado
  • John B Holcomb
  • Kathryn M. Gaylord
  • Linda H. Yoder

Organizations

  • United States Army Institute of Surgical Research

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amnesia
  • Anti-Tank Weapons
  • Blast Injuries
  • Brain Injuries
  • Burns
  • Cognitive Impairment
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Explosive Devices
  • Explosively Formed Penetrators
  • Explosives
  • Health Services
  • Improvised Explosive Devices
  • Iraqi-War
  • Mental Disorders
  • Munitions
  • Patient Care
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Medicine
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Mental Health of Military Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Risk Factors, Prevalence, Symptoms, and Treatment.
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.