B - 46 The Increase of Impulsivity and Irritability under Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Abstract

Abstract Objective Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) remain a global contributor to mortality and incapacitation, afflicting approximately 69 million individuals yearly (Dewan et al., 2019). Despite potential amelioration of physical and neurological symptoms, behavioral alterations such as irritability and impulsivity often persist (Vutakuri, 2023). This study explores how TBIs relate to impulsivity and irritability across demographic and injury factors. Method 446 trauma-exposed participants were selected for analysis, retrieved from a Midwestern treatment center database. Responses to PCL-5 questions 15 and 16 assessed impulsivity and irritability. Participants were divided into control (n = 192) and experimental (n = 254) groups based on TBI presence and PCL-5 scores. SPSS software facilitated statistical procedures, including multivariate, univariate, and chi square analyses. Participants were categorized by race, gender, and age (11 to 65 years). Results The analysis found insignificant relationships between TBI types and irritability/impulsivity (p = 0.863; p = 0.638). However, race and age were found to have a significant correlation with TBI presence and type of TBI. Moreover, any TBI correlated with increased irritability and impulsivity (r = 0.11, p = 0.024; r = 0.20, p < 0.001). Conclusions This study underscores the enduring influence of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) on increased irritability and impulsivity. While TBI types showed no significant association with these traits, demographic factors (race and age) emerged as pivotal determinants. Caucasians exhibited a higher TBI incidence, while older individuals displayed increased susceptibility to assault-related TBIs but paradoxically lower levels of irritability and impulsivity. These nuanced findings emphasize the intricate interplay between TBI and demographic variables in shaping behavioral outcomes.