The temporal relationship between mental health and disability after injury
Date
2015
Authors
Schweininger, S.
Forbes, D.
Creamer, M.
McFarlane, A.
Silove, D.
Bryant, R.
O'Donnell, M.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Depression and Anxiety, 2015; 32(1):64-71
Statement of Responsibility
Stephanie Schweininger, David Forbes, Mark Creamer, Alexander C. McFarlane, Derrick Silove, Richard A. Bryant, and Meaghan L. O, Donnell
Conference Name
DOI
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This longitudinal study investigated the temporal relationship patterns between disability and mental health after injury, with a focus on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. METHOD: We conducted a multi-sited longitudinal cohort study with a large sample of hospital patients admitted after injury (N = 1,149, mean age = 37.9, 73.6% male). Data were collected prior to discharge from hospital, and follow-up assessments took place 3 and 12 months postinjury. A cross-lagged structural equation model (SEM) was used to assess the prospective relationship between posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms and disability while controlling for demographic characteristics and objective measures of injury severity. RESULTS: Acute depression significantly predicted 3-month disability, and 3-month PTSD severity significantly predicted 12-month disability. Premorbid disability had a significant effect on acute anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms, and 3-month depression but disability after the injury did not predict 12-month psychopathology. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find a reciprocal relationship between disability and psychopathology. Rather we found that depression played a role in early disability while PTSD played a role in contributing to long-term delays in the recovery process. The results of this study highlight the need for mental health screening for symptoms of PTSD and depression in the acute aftermath of trauma, combined with early intervention programs in injury populations.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Access Status
Rights
© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.