Misdiagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder following severe traumatic brain injury.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after traumatic brain injury is unclear. One issue involves the validity of diagnosis using self-report questionnaires.


OBJECTIVE
To compare PTSD'caseness' arising from questionnaire self-report and structured interview.


METHODS
Participants (n=34) with traumatic brain injury were recruited. Screening measures and self-report questionnaires were administered, followed by the structured interview.


RESULTS
Using questionnaires, 59% fulfilled criteria for PTSD on the Post-traumatic Diagnostic Scale and 44% on the Impact of Events Scale, whereas using structured interview (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale) only 3% were 'cases'. This discrepancy may arise from confusions between effects of PTSD and traumatic brain injury.


CONCLUSIONS
After traumatic brain injury, PTSD self-report measures might be used for screening but not diagnosis.
Sumpter
Ruth E
RE
Community Treatment Centre for Acquired Brain Injury, Glasgow, UK.
McMillan
Tom M
TM
D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis*