Evolution and factors associated with pediatric post-traumatic stress disorder 1 year after mild traumatic brain injury: a prospective, longitudinal study

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can lead to lasting adverse outcomes, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). This study examined whether PTSD and PTSS can occur even after mTBI and tracked the evolution of PTSD in the long term. A total of 85 youth post-mTBI (median age: 10.00, 25-75th percentile: 8.50-2.62; 24% girls) and their mothers participated in this study. Assessments included PTSS/PTSD, postconcussion symptoms, loss of consciousness status, child's anxiety, and maternal mental health, both shortly after mTBI (T1) and 1 year later (T2). Changes in PTSS scores from T1 to T2 were evaluated using the Wilcoxon test. T2 PTSS evolution was evaluated using correlations and partial correlations. To evaluate PTSD recovery trajectories, the percentage of youth in four recovery trajectories (chronic, delayed, recovery, and resilience) was calculated. Results showed a significant decrease in PTSS and PTSD rates from T1 (34%) to T2 (21%). PTSS at T2 was associated with PTSS and postconcussion symptoms at T1. After accounting for the child's sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the child's self-reported PTSS at T1, along with self-reported postconcussion symptoms and symptom intensity, showed significant correlations with PTSS at T2 (r = 0.60, 0.32, and 0.37, respectively; P < 0.05). Most youth fell into the 'resilient' (40%) or 'recovery' (35%) groups, with only 6% showing 'delayed' recovery. One year after mTBI, 20% of the youth still experienced PTSD. In conclusion, this study highlights the need for long-term monitoring of youth after mTBI, as a notable proportion continue to experience enduring PTSD or PTSS.