Alcohol and drug toxicology screens at time of hospitalization do not predict PTSD or depression after traumatic injury.

BACKGROUND: Identifying risk factors for the development of PTSD and depression is critical for intervention and recovery after injury. Given research linking toxicology screens and substance use and the evidenced relationship between substance misuse and distress, the current study aimed to gauge the predictive value of toxicology testing on PTSD and depression.

METHODS: Patients admitted to a Level I Trauma Center (N = 379) completed the PC-PTSD, PCL-C, and PHQ-8 at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS: Results showed 52% of tested patients had a positive toxicology test, 51% screened for PTSD, and 54% screened for depression. Positive drug or alcohol toxicology tests were not significantly associated with PTSD or depression.

CONCLUSIONS: Toxicology testing may not meaningful predict depression or PTSD in traumatic injury patients. Future research using validated measures of problematic substance use is needed to better understand how misuse may influence the development of psychological distress.