Psychosocial and psychological factors associated with post-traumatic stress disorder following traumatic brain injury in adult civilian populations: A systematic review

Primary objective: Increasing support exists for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite the psychological nature of PTSD, previous reviews have mainly focused on the injury-related and neurological characteristics of its presentation in TBI. Consequently, this review systematically examined the psychological and psychosocial variables associated with PTSD symptoms after TBI in civilian adults. Methods: Detailed searching retrieved 28 relevant articles which met the inclusion criteria. Each article underwent a thorough quality assessment procedure and data were extracted relevant to the review's aims. Results: Results highlighted several psychological and psychosocial variables associated with PTSD after TBI, including historical factors and those which become relevant after the traumatic event. Furthermore, the results indicated that some factors were not associated with PTSD after TBI, despite a relationship existing with PTSD in the general population. The findings of the quality assessment were utilized throughout the formation of results. Conclusions: The review highlights the importance of addressing psychological and psychosocial factors within the assessment and treatment of PTSD after TBI. The limitations of the research are highlighted and the clinical and research implications discussed.