Major depressive disorder with psychotic features in an aviator after head trauma
McLay, R.N.; Drake, A.; Santiago, P.N.; Kim, C.H.
Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine 75(2): 175-179
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0095-6562 PMID: 14960056 Document Number: 570977
We present a case in which a Naval aviator suffered an unusual sequence of neuropsychiatric symptoms after head trauma. He demonstrated subtle deficits on several measures 1 mo after the trauma. Repeat testing at 8 mo showed apparent recovery, and the patient was cleared to return to flight status. Unbeknownst to medical staff, the patient was still experiencing difficulties. He was found in a severely debilitated state and exhibiting psychotic features 12 mo after his initial trauma. The patient was hospitalized in a psychiatric ward, and with prolonged inpatient and outpatient treatment, he eventually recovered.