Depression treatment preferences after traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To determine preferences for depression treatment modalities and settings among persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI).


METHODS
Telephone survey. Depression status was determined using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.


METHODS
Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, the level I trauma center serving Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska.


METHODS
One hundred forty-five adults, English-speaking consecutive patients admitted with complicated mild to severe TBI.


METHODS
Telephone survey within 12 months post-TBI ascertaining preferences for depression treatment modalities and settings.


RESULTS
More patients favored physical exercise or counseling as a depression treatment than other treatment modalities. Group therapy was the least favored modality. Patients favored speaking with a clinician in the clinic or over the telephone and were less likely to communicate with a clinician over the Internet. Subjects with probable major depression or a history of antidepressant use or outpatient mental health treatment were more likely to express a preference for antidepressants for treatment of depression.


CONCLUSIONS
This study underscores the importance of understanding patient preferences and providing patient education in selecting a treatment for depression after TBI. Future studies should examine psychotherapy and alternative treatment modalities and delivery models for the management of depression in this vulnerable population.
Fann
Jesse R
JR
Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. fann@u.washington.edu <fann@u.washington.edu>
Jones
Audrey L
AL
Dikmen
Sureyya S
SS
Temkin
Nancy R
NR
Esselman
Peter C
PC
Bombardier
Charles H
CH
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003376:Counseling; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000928:Antidepressive Agents