Study of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Objective: This cross-sectional study was design to investigate prevalence and risk factors of generalized anxiety disorder in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Materials and Methods: The Group studied consists of 204 patients of mild and moderate TBI between 14- days to one-year post injury. Demographic characteristics of the participants were assessed on a self-designed semi structured performa. Interviews focused on assessment of severity of TBI, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and quality of life (Qol) using GCS, GAD-7 and WHOBREF-QOL respectively. Results: Total 204 patients were included. 11.76% participants were found to have generalized anxiety disorder. None of the demographic variables were associated with GAD except injury severity. Mild TBI patient (75.00%) had higher occurrence of GAD than the moderate cases (25.00%). GAD patients also had poor Qol than those without GAD in all domains except physical and social health domain. Neuroanatomical localization was also correlated with GAD. Left frontal contusions were the most common (37.50 %) lesions associated with GAD. Conclusion: GAD is commonly associated, yet under diagnosed clinical entities in head injury and have tremendous impact in overall outcome measures. Every patient of head injury warrants psychiatric evaluation and concomitant treatment if required to ensure the attainment of not only neuroanatomical intact but overall productive and qualitative life vindicating the holistic and multidisciplinary treatment approach.