Psychiatric Morbidity in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Clinical and Radiological Study

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health problem worldwide and is frequently associated with long‑term neurological and psychological consequences. Psychiatric morbidity following TBI, including depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders, can significantly affect functional recovery and quality of life. Early identification of these psychological disturbances is essential for comprehensive patient management. The present study was conducted to assess psychiatric morbidity among patients with traumatic brain injury and to evaluate its association with clinical severity and radiological findings.

Methods: This hospital‑based cross‑sectional observational study included 60 patients diagnosed with traumatic brain injury at a tertiary care medical college hospital. Demographic and clinical data were recorded using a structured proforma. The severity of TBI was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Radiological findings were evaluated using CT or MRI of the brain. Psychiatric morbidity was assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS‑21). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and associations between variables were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Among the 60 patients studied, the majority were males and belonged to younger age groups. Mild traumatic brain injury was the most common clinical presentation. Radiological findings frequently included cerebral contusions and intracranial hemorrhages. Psychiatric morbidity was observed in a considerable proportion of patients. Depression was the most common psychological disturbance, followed by anxiety and stress. Psychiatric symptoms were more frequently observed among patients with moderate and severe traumatic brain injury compared with those with mild injury.

Conclusion: Psychiatric morbidity is common among patients with traumatic brain injury and may be associated with injury severity and structural brain abnormalities. Routine psychological assessment using standardized screening tools such as the DASS‑21 scale can facilitate early detection of psychiatric symptoms. A multidisciplinary approach integrating neurological and psychiatric care is essential to improve overall outcomes and quality of life in patients with traumatic brain injury.