Posttraumatic amnesia and recall of a traumatic event following traumatic brain injury.
The relationship between posttraumatic amnesia (PTA) and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was examined in 282 outpatients at a mean of 53 days after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Patients were assessed for TBI severity, intrusive and avoidant PTSD-type symptoms, and psychological distress, and were stratified into four comparison groups by duration of PTA. Levels of PTSD-type symptoms and psychological distress did not differ significantly between groups. Even patients with PTA >1 week reported intrusive and avoidant PTSD-type symptoms. However, when patients were stratified into those with PTA of <1 hour or >1 hour, the former were more likely to report such symptoms. TBI patients with brief PTA are more likely to experience PTSD-type reactions, but severe TBI with prolonged PTA is not incompatible with such reactions in a subset of patients. Possible mechanisms that could account for this finding are discussed.
Feinstein
Anthony
A
Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Science Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. ant.feinstein@utoronto.ca
Hershkop
Susan
S
Ouchterlony
Donna
D
Jardine
Alison
A
McCullagh
Scott
S
D000328:Adult; D000647:Amnesia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D003128:Coma / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000502:physiology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*