Psychological problems following minor head injury: a prospective study.
Fifty people admitted to hospital with a predominantly minor head injury were interviewed six months and three years later. As a group, they showed evidence of post-traumatic stress disorder consistent with the DSM-III-R (American Psychiatric Association, 1987) definition, and psychological distress as measured by the Impact of Event scale and the General Health Questionnaire. In addition, changes in self-concept were measured and a prominent theme emerged of the discontinuity in the participants' sense of self following the head injury. These changes showed a significant relationship with psychological symptoms. Occupational and social functioning of the participants is also reported. It is suggested that disturbance and change following minor head injury is common and can be chronic.
Department of Clinical Psychology, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
J C
JC
Wright
R
R
Telford
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors