Article

This study used factor analytic techniques to differentiate distinct from
overlapping screen-based symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), and depression in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. These
symptoms were derived from screen results of 1,549 veterans undergoing Department
of Veterans Affairs postdeployment screening between April 2007 and January 2010.
Veterans with positive TBI screens were approximately twice as likely to also
screen positive for depression and PTSD (adjusted relative risks = 1.9 and 2.1,
respectively). Irritability was a shared symptom between TBI and PTSD, and
emotional numbing was a shared symptom between PTSD and depression. Symptoms
unique to TBI included dizziness, headaches, memory problems, and light
sensitivity. Four separate constructs emerged: TBI, PTSD, depression, and a
fourth construct consisting of hypervigilance and sleep problems. These findings
illuminate areas of overlap between TBI and common postdeployment mental health
problems. Discriminating symptoms of TBI from mental health problems may
facilitate diagnosis, triage to specialty care, and targeted symptom management.
The emergence of a fourth factor consisting of sleep problems and hypervigilance
highlights the need to attend to specific symptoms in the postdeployment
screening process.

Langue : ANGLAIS