The impact of major depression on outcome following mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury in older adults.

Background: Major depression is common following traumatic brain injury (TBI), yet no studies to date have explored its relationship to psychosocial outcome in older adults with TBI.

Methods: A consecutive sample of seventy-seven older patients with mild-to-moderate TBI was assessed for the presence of major depression within 2 months of injury, and followed prospectively for 1 year. Those with major depression were compared with those without on measures of psychosocial outcome, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).

Results: Patients with major depression (15.6%) reported higher degrees of psychological distress, psychosocial dysfunction, and post-concussive symptoms than those without, and were rated as having poorer IADL performance.

Limitations: The present study was limited to a clinical population, and there were significant attrition rates.

Conclusions: Major depression in the first few months after TBI in older adults has persisting adverse effects on outcome, highlighting its significance in this population, and suggesting early attention to treatment.