Incidence and correlates of depersonalization following head trauma.
Using the criteria of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Dissociative Disorders (SCID-D), we assessed the incidence of feelings of unreality among a sample of 70 persons who had sustained head injuries. Among those whose head trauma could be classified as mild, more than 60% complained of a depersonalization syndrome. Among those with a significant period of unconsciousness, only 11% had similar complaints. There was a high comorbidity with post-traumatic stress disorder and vertigo. Feelings of unreality were not associated with cognitive impairment or elevated personality test scores, nor were there significant relationships with gender or involvement in litigation. A conservative estimate of incidence of depersonalization among persons with minor head trauma is 13%, while, at the upper end, as many as 67% of persons who sustain mild head injury may experience feelings of unreality.
Grigsby
J
J
Center for Health Services Research, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80222.
Kaye
K
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003861:Depersonalization / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011936:Reality Testing; D012649:Self Concept; D012938:Social Perception; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology