Aggression after traumatic brain injury: prevalence and correlates

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2009 Fall;21(4):420-9. doi: 10.1176/jnp.2009.21.4.420.

Abstract

Aggression after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common but not well defined. Sixty-seven participants with first-time TBI were evaluated for aggression within 3 months of injury. The prevalence of aggression was found to be 28.4%, predominantly verbal aggression. Post-TBI aggression was associated with new-onset major depression (p=0.02), poorer social functioning (p=0.04), and increased dependency in activities of daily living (p=0.03), but not with a history of substance abuse or adult/childhood behavioral problems. Implications of the study include early screening for aggression, evaluation for depression, and consideration of psychosocial support in aggressive patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Adult
  • Aggression / psychology*
  • Brain Injuries / complications*
  • Brain Injuries / psychology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Patient Selection
  • Prospective Studies
  • Regression Analysis
  • Social Adjustment
  • Social Behavior*
  • Social Support