The clinical utility of the Beck Depression Inventory after traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Primary objective: To examine the psychometric properties of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to determine the relative endorsement of somatic-performance and cognitive-affective items in this group.

Research design: Prospective 2 year follow up assessment.

Methods: 117 patients discharged from an inpatient TBI rehabilitation service completed the BDI as part of a 24 month follow up assessment. Demographic and injury related data were obtained from patient files and significant others.

Main outcomes: A principal components analysis revealed three factors describing affective and performance items, negative attitudes towards oneself and somatic disturbance. The reliability estimate was high (coefficient alpha = 0.92). A dependent sample t-test revealed higher endorsement of the cognitive-affective subscale with more clients classified as at least moderately depressed using the cognitive-affective rather than the total BDI score.

Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence suggesting that the BDI may be an effective screening tool for self reported depression in TBI.