Depression in older adults 12 months after traumatic brain injury: A TRACK-TBI study

Model System:

TBI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J88383

Journal:

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2022 , 103, 1, 83-89

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study investigated depression at 12 months after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in older adults compared with younger adults. The sample for analysis was drawn from participants in the Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury (TRACK-TBI) study. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) data were analyzed for 1,505 patients with medically documented mild, moderate, and severe TBI at 12 months postinjury. The results indicated that PHQ-9 total scores were significantly lower for older adults (age≥65 years) compared with younger adults (age<65 years), indicating fewer depressive symptoms in older adults. Age did not interact with education, sex, race/ethnicity, psychiatric history, substance use, or Glasgow Coma Scale severity to affect PHQ-9 scores. Of the 29 percent of older adults who endorsed symptoms consistent with depression, 14 percent were classified as minor depression and 15 percent as major depression. The odds of older adults falling in the major depression vs no depression group were significantly lower (decreased by 56 percent) compared with younger adults. At 12 months post-TBI, older adults endorse lower depressive symptoms than their younger counterparts and are less likely to experience major depression; however, over one-fourth of older adults endorsed symptoms consistent with depression, warranting evaluation and treatment.

Author(s):