Researchers Discuss Limitations of Prevalence Estimates of TBI and PTSD Among OIF/OEF Veterans

Newswise — In a special guest editorial, Bass and colleagues discuss the limitations of current estimates of the prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) veterans. Since these estimates often determine the allocation of resources, the authors urge decision makers to understand the limitations of these prevalence estimates.

The authors discuss three main problems with the current prevalence rates of TBI and PTSD in the OIF/OEF population. First, the studies generally report the percentage of servicemembers who screen positive for TBI or PTSD, not those who have been diagnosed with the condition by an appropriately trained medical provider. Second, the study samples are not representative of the entire ever-deployed military population. Third, the degree of impairment for servicemembers who have or have had TBI or PTSD is unknown.

The authors urge researchers to use caution when interpreting published estimates of TBI and PTSD prevalence for OIF/OEF servicemembers. They conclude that existing studies are suggestive only and likely to overestimate the number of TBI and PTSD cases for the entire ever-deployed force.

This editorial is published in JRRD, Volume 46, Issue 5. To view this article, please visit http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/09/46/5/pdf/golding.pdf. To view other TBI and PTSD related research published in JRRD, please visit http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/cluster/brain.html.

JRRD is a well-established and respected peer-reviewed journal sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The journal publishes original research, clinical studies, and reviews covering 25 rehabilitation disciplines. JRRD is widely distributed in print and electronic format to both national and international audiences, reaching more than 500,000 readers across 6 continents in 2007. To learn more about the journal and its publishing policies, please visit http://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/jourindx.html.