Unremitting Symptoms Following MTBI: Correlations With Somatization, Depression, and Effort

Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and postconcussion syndrome (PCS) have become relevant and controversial topics within the past several years. While those who sustain a MTBI typically experience full recovery by 3 months postinjury, there is a small portion of this population who continue to experience symptoms of PCS for months or even years following their injury. This study examined the relationship between somatization, depression, test effort, and time since MTBI. Archival data were collected from the charts of 62 patients referred for neuropsychological testing following an MTBI who had continued cognitive and physical complaints. In addition to other cognitive assessments, each participant completed a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory second edition, and multiple symptom validity tests. Spearman's rank order correlation coefficients revealed a significant positive relationship between time since MTBI and depression, with a small effect size. Although large portions of the sample were positive for somatization, depression, and low effort, the correlations between time since MTBI and somatization, as well as time since MTBI and the Effort Failure Index (EFI), were not statistically significant. Potential explanations for these results are discussed, including the nature of the independent variable (time since MTBI), the EFI, and measurement of subtle psychological factors associated with recovery from MTBI.