Article

Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are returning from combat having
sustained traumatic brain injury, mostcommonly mild traumatic brain injury
(mTBI), and experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clinical
guidelines for mTBI and PTSDdo not focus on the co-occurrence of these conditions (mTBI/PTSD).
A synthesis of the evidence on prevalence, diagnostic accuracy,
andtreatment effectiveness for mTBI/PTSD would be of use to clinicians,
researchers, and policymakers. We conducteda systematic review of studies identified through PubMed, PsycINFO, REHABDATA, Cochrane Library,
pearling, and expert recommendations. Peer-reviewed English language studies
published between 1980 and June, 2009 were included if they reported frequencies
of traumatic braininjury and PTSD, or diagnostic accuracy or treatment
effectiveness specific to mTBI/PTSD. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies metinclusion
criteria. None evaluated diagnostic accuracy or treatment effectiveness. Studies
varied considerably in design. Frequency ofmTBI/PTSD ranged from 0% to 89%.
However, in 3 large studies evaluating Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans,
frequencies ofprobable mTBI/PTSD were from 5% to 7%; among those with probable
mTBI, frequencies of probable PTSD were from 33% to 39%. DISCUSSION: The wide
range of mTBI/PTSD frequency levels was likely due to variation across
studyparameters, including aims and assessment methods. Studies using consistent,
validated methods to define and measure mTBI history andPTSD are needed.

Langue : ANGLAIS