The Relationship between Depression and the Signs and Symptoms and Long-Term Effects of Concussion
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between preexisting depression and baseline concussion measures. Additionally, this study sought to identify sex and age differences in depression scores, baseline concussion scores, and knowledge of signs, symptoms, and long-term effects of concussion. A Qualtrics survey, adapted from the 9 question Patient Healthcare Questionnaire and the Symptom Evaluation Section of the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool - 5th Edition, was distributed to 277 student-athletes at Tennessee State University. 114 responses were received. After exclusionary criteria, 112 responses were included in statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. Results indicated very strong correlation between knowledge of concussion symptoms and knowledge of long-term effects of concussion, strong correlation between depression severity score and concussion severity score, medium correlation between depression severity score and the number of reported concussion symptoms. All other areas examined showed weak to very weak correlations. When examining sex differences, females showed significantly more knowledge of concussion symptoms (p = .003) and long-term concussion effects (p = .006). All other areas approached but did not reach significance. No significant differences were seen between ages. These results support the inclusion of mood measurement in baseline concussion assessment and further research in concussion awareness and education in collegiate level athletes.
Subject Area
Speech therapy|Neurosciences|Mental health
Recommended Citation
Allegra Coggins,
"The Relationship between Depression and the Signs and Symptoms and Long-Term Effects of Concussion"
(2021).
ETD Collection for Tennessee State University.
Paper AAI28414825.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI28414825