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Screening for Traumatic Brain Injury and Mental Health Symptoms Among OIF/OEF Veterans: A Factor Analysis Approach

This study aims to distinguish screen-based symptoms of TBI, PTSD, depression in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, aiding in accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment. Factor analysis identified distinct symptoms, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing specific issues during post-deployment screening.

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Screening for Traumatic Brain Injury and Mental Health Symptoms Among OIF/OEF Veterans: A Factor Analysis Approach

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  1. Relationship of screen-based symptoms for mild traumatic brain injury and mental health problems in Iraq and Afghanistan veterans: Distinct or overlapping symptoms? Shira Maguen, PhD; Karen M. Lau, MA; Erin Madden, MPH; Karen Seal, MD, MPH

  2. Aim • Identify distinguishing features of traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression to more accurately discriminate among them in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans. • Relevance • Separating symptoms of TBI from symptoms of mental health problems (PTSD and depression) may facilitate diagnosis, triage to specialty care, and targeted symptom management.

  3. Methods • We used factor analytic techniques to differentiate distinct from overlapping screen-based symptoms of TBI, PTSD, and depression derived from screen results of OIF/OEF veterans between April 2007 and January 2010.

  4. Results • Four separate constructs emerged: • TBI. • PTSD. • Depression. • Hypervigilance/sleep problems. • Symptoms unique to TBI included dizziness, headaches, memory problems, and light sensitivity.

  5. Conclusion • Emergence of hypervigilance/sleep problems as a fourth factor highlights need to attend to specific symptoms in postdeployment screening process. • Discriminating symptoms of TBI from mental health problems may facilitate diagnosis, triage to specialty care, and targeted symptom management.

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