Comparison of Compensation Claimant whom made no claim, considering the presence of mental disorders 4 months post traumatic brain injury

This study aimed at comparing patients with and without compensation claim with respect to the presence of mental disorders as a result of a follow-up study four months post traumatic brain injury (TBI). Overall, 238 TBI patients (43 females and 195 males), were chosen by nonprobability and consecutive sampling in the form of a descriptive-longitudinal study; each of whom, underwent neurosurgical examinations. Then, their demographic data were collected after obtaining written consent form. After 4 months follow-up, 65. 1٪ (155 cases) of patients referred to a psychiatrist to determine mental disorders due to TBI using a structured clinical interview based on DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. Out of 155 followed-up patients, 92 cases were still claiming compensation due to TBI incident and 47 cases were not interested in litigation and information of other 16 patients were unspecified. Also, 66 complained and 37 noncomplained patients (71. 7٪ and 78. 7 ٪, respectively) demonstrated post-TBI mental disorders 4 months post injury. The results of Chi-square test showed no significant difference between the two groups (with and without compensation claim), considering presence of mental disorders resulting from TBI, even after controlling for TBI severity and the level of overall disability due to TBI. The high frequency of mental disorders in the acute phase following TBI, along with many novel cases of personality changes, mood and anxiety disorders are evident; though meanwhile, no significant differences are observed in complained and noncomplained patients in terms of mental disorders 4 months after TBI.