Association of age with long-term psychosocial outcome following traumatic brain injury

Objective: To examine the association of age with long-term psychosocial outcome following traumatic brain injury. Participants: One hundred and twelve participants with mild to very severe traumatic brain injury, aged 26-89 years at 5-22 years post-injury, 112 significant others and 112 healthy controls matched for current age, gender, education and estimated IQ. Methods: Changes in occupational activity, interpersonal relationships and independent living skills were assessed in participants with traumatic brain injury using the Sydney Psychosocial Reintegration Scale (SPRS). Employment status of participants with traumatic brain injury and control participants was compared at the time of assessment. Results: No age effects were demonstrated on the 3 SPRS domains. However, compared with healthy individuals, older participants with traumatic brain injury showed greater likelihood of unemployment relative to younger participants with traumatic brain injury. Conclusion: By using matched controls this study has demonstrated that older individuals with traumatic brain injury are less likely to return to the workforce than younger individuals with traumatic brain injury. Other aspects of psychosocial outcome appeared to be less affected by age, although specific domains require closer examination in relation to healthy age-matched controls. Adapted from the source document.