Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD Screening Efforts Evaluated Using Latent Class Analysis
Abstract
The objective of this study was to empirically identify latent classes according to persistent postconcussive symptom patterns among 12,581 combat-exposed male service members. A secondary objective was to characterize identified classes to better understand the experiences and disorders associated with class membership. Persistent postconcussive symptoms reported by Marines and sailors on the Post-Deployment Health Reassessment were used as manifest variables in a latent class analysis, yielding 4 distinct classes: systemic, co-morbid, psychological, and nonpresenting. While the nonpresenting class endorsed few or no postconcussive symptoms, members of the comorbid class had an increased likelihood of reporting a wide range of symptoms. Characterization of the 4 classes suggested that these classes approximate populations defined by the presence or absence of traumatic brain injury and/or posttraumatic stress disorder. These findings can be used to guide clinicians in categorizing patients into systemic, psychological, and comorbid symptom groupings to facilitate planning and providing of the appropriate treatment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA620646
Entities
People
- Andrew J. MacGregor
- Caroline A. MacEra
- Hilary J. Aralis
- Mitchell Rauh
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center