Concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is a frequent cause of brain damage among youth and, therefore, represents a major public health problem. While most youth recover from concussion within 2 to 4 weeks, some concussed children and adolescents endure prolonged symptoms, along with mood disturbance sequelae for months. Few studies have assessed mood disturbance and concussion in pediatric populations. Additional research is necessary to understand pediatric concussion recovery and mood disturbance better, to guide early intervention efforts, and to improve pediatric concussion care. The purpose of this study was to examine how symptoms of mood disturbance (i.e., anxiety, depression, anger) and somatization relate to the odds of concussion recovery in male and female youth 12 to 17 years of age, who presented for neuropsychological evaluation after head injury. Significantly fewer females were deemed recovered at initial neuropsychological evaluation compared to males. Bivariate analyses of mood disturbance and somatization predictors revealed significant group differences in symptom burden between those determined recovered from concussion and those who had not recovered. Logistic regressions of each mood disturbance variable and somatization on concussion recovery suggested a modest decline in the odds of recovery as symptoms of mood disturbance or somatization increase. A multivariable logistic regression model of mood disturbance predictors, somatization, gender, and age was significant and explained over a quarter of the variance in concussion recovery; however, after a backward variable selection procedure, only depression and somatization symptoms were significant in the final model and accounted for a modest decline in the odds of concussion recovery at initial evaluation. Results replicate and extend research findings in pediatric concussion.

Those who have borderline personality disorder (BPD), and those who have subclinical levels of BPD features, experience distress and impairment in important life domains, especially in their interpersonal interactions. It is critical to understand the factors that alleviate BPD symptoms in order to help affected individuals lead healthier lives. Rejection sensitivity and sleep disturbance are two factors that may maintain or exacerbate BPD symptoms, yet new research indicates socially supportive relationships are related to symptom remission. While extensive research exists on the interpersonal impairments associated with borderline personality pathology, little research exists on how individuals with BPD or BPD features perceive and experience their social support. The present study examined the relationships between BPD features, perceived social support, sleep quality, and rejection sensitivity in a racially diverse, large sample of primarily college-aged individuals (N = 396). Results indicated that BPD features had a significant positive relationship with self-reported rejection sensitivity and a significant negative relationship with self-reported perceived social support. Additionally, BPD features had a significant positive relationship with sleep disturbance. Sleep disturbance did not moderate the relationship between BPD features and rejection sensitivity as expected; however, the regression of rejection sensitivity on BPD features and sleep disturbance was significant. Finally, sleep disturbance moderated the relationship between BPD features and rejection sensitivity. Results extend and replicate recent research findings on the possible mechanisms that may maintain and alleviate BPD symptoms. Furthermore, the moderating effect of sleep disturbance on perceived social support for those with higher levels of BPD features is unique to this study.