RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NEUROTICISM AND PERSISTENT POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME WITHIN A SINGAPOREAN ASIAN SAMPLE

Abstract

Persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) occurs when symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) persist beyond three months of the injury. In the present study, the relationship between neuroticism and PPCS within a Singaporean Asian sample was investigated. Fifty-three mTBI patients were studied retrospectively based on archival clinical data. Thirty-two of these patients (60.4%) were suffering from PPCS, while the remaining were not. Neuroticism was measured by the NEO-Five Factory Inventory (NEO-FFI), and was analysed as a trait as well as in terms of its subcomponents anxiety, depression and self-reproach. The Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) was used to measure the occurrence and severity of post-concussion symptoms. Results showed that amongst patients with PPCS, the neuroticism trait as well as the neuroticism anxiety and self-reproach subcomponents were positively associated with PPCS. Patients with PPCS also displayed higher levels of neuroticism as compared to patients without PPCS, suggesting similarities with somatisation. Lastly, PPCS was best predicted by the neuroticism trait, followed by the neuroticism subcomponents self-reproach, anxiety, and finally depression. Amongst a Singaporean Asian sample, neuroticism is shown to be important in predicting PPCS and in understanding PPCS in relation to somatisation. Implications for the management of mTBI patients are discussed.