Patterns of post-traumatic stress symptoms in mild traumatic brain injury and their relationship with outcomes: a latent profile analysis

Josh W Faulkner; Deborah L Snell; Alice Theadom; Ian de Terte; Rachel Low

doi:10.1080/13803395.2023.2227401

Patterns of post-traumatic stress symptoms in mild traumatic brain injury and their relationship with outcomes: a latent profile analysis

J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2023 May;45(3):230-241. doi: 10.1080/13803395.2023.2227401. Epub 2023 Jun 23.

Authors

Josh W Faulkner¹, Deborah L Snell², Alice Theadom³, Ian de Terte⁴, Rachel Low¹

Affiliations

¹ School of Psychology, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.
² Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch New Zealand.
³ Psychology and Neuroscience, TBI Network, Auckland University of Technology, Northcote, Auckland.
⁴ School of Psychology, Massey University, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.

PMID: 37350162
DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2023.2227401

Abstract

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are known to contribute to postconcussion symptoms and functional status following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Identifying symptom cluster profiles provide an opportunity to better understand PTSS and their influence on these outcomes. In this study, latent profiles of PTSS following mTBI were identified, and their association with mTBI outcomes was examined. The predictive role of demographic and injury related variables on profile membership was also explored.

Method: Adults (N = 252) completed self report measures of PTSS and mTBI outcomes (post-concussion symptoms and functional status) within three months of mTBI. These measures were re-administered six months later (N = 187). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to ascertain the latent class structure of PTSS, and regression analysis to examine predictors of profiles. ANCOVA, with general psychological distress as a covariate, revealed the relationship between profiles and mTBI outcomes.

Results: LPA identified a four-profile model to best describe PTSS at baseline. This included a resilient (49.6%), moderate (30.6%), moderate with high intrusion/avoidance (14.3%) and a highly symptomatic profile (5.6%). A secondary school education or less and/or unemployment before mTBI was significantly more likely in the highly symptomatic profile, as well as sustaining an mTBI due to an assault or motor vehicle accident. PTSS latent class membership was significantly associated with mTBI outcomes even when controlling for general psychological distress. The resilient group had significantly better outcomes at baseline and six-month follow-up. However, no significant differences in mTBI outcomes emerged between the moderate, moderate with high intrusion/avoidance and the highly symptomatic profiles.

Conclusion: The current study provides novel information on the symptom profiles of PTSS in mTBI, predictors of profile membership and their relationship with mTBI outcomes. Although future research using this approach is needed, the current study offers a more in-depth understanding of PTSS in mTBI to inform clinical care.

Keywords: Mild traumatic brain injury; latent profile analysis; outcomes; post-traumatic stress.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Brain Concussion* / complications
Brain Concussion* / diagnosis
Humans
Post-Concussion Syndrome* / diagnosis
Post-Concussion Syndrome* / etiology
Schools
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / diagnosis
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / epidemiology
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / etiology