Clinical correlates of aggressive behavior after traumatic brain injury

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2003 Spring;15(2):155-60. doi: 10.1176/jnp.15.2.155.

Abstract

The authors assessed aggressive behavior in 89 patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 26 patients with multiple trauma but without TBI using a quantitative scale (the Overt Aggression Scale) and examined its clinical correlates. Aggressive behavior was found in 33.7% of TBI patients and 11.5% of patients without TBI during the first 6 months after injury. Aggressive behavior was significantly associated with the presence of major depression, frontal lobe lesions, poor premorbid social functioning, and a history of alcohol and substance abuse. Interventions aimed at treatment of depression and substance abuse and enhancing social support may help reduce the severity of this disruptive behavior.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aggression / psychology*
  • Brain Injuries / complications
  • Brain Injuries / psychology*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Female
  • Glasgow Coma Scale
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Personality Assessment
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Severity of Illness Index