A-53 Co-Occurring Depression and Anxiety Increases Prospective Risk for Concussion

Abstract

Abstract Purpose There is limited research examining whether mental health concerns increase risk for future concussion, despite these difficulties being highly prevalent in college-age populations and student-athletes. This study investigates whether affective disturbance at baseline increases the risk for prospective concussion. We predict that athletes with co-occurring depression/ anxiety will incur the greatest risk for injury. Methods 886 collegiate athletes completed baseline neuropsychological testing and were prospectively followed as part of a sports concussion management program. Athletes were separated into 4 groups (HCs, Depression Alone, Anxiety Alone, Co-Occurring Depression/Anxiety) based on self-reported anxiety and depression at baseline. Of the 886 athletes, 96 sustained future concussion. Logistic regression was conducted with prospective concussion (yes/no) as the outcome, and affective group as the predictor. Sex and sport were examined as covariates. Results After controlling for sport, athletes in the Co-Occurring Depression/Anxiety group were more than twice as likely to sustain prospective concussion compared to HCs, p=.03, OR=2.18, 95% CI [1.10,4.33]. Though not statistically significant, athletes in the Co-Occurring Depression/Anxiety showed a 59% and 56% increased risk for prospective concussion compared to the Depression Alone and Anxiety Alone groups, respectively. Athletes in the Depression Alone and Anxiety Alone groups both showed a 31% increased risk for prospective concussion compared to HCs. Conclusions Athletes with co-occurring depression/anxiety at baseline show a notably increased risk for sustaining future concussion, even after controlling for sport. These findings highlight the importance of screening for depression and anxiety at baseline to provide treatment for these athletes, improve well-being, and reduce concussion risk.