Traumatic Brain Injury Can Make Survivors Eight Times More Likely to Suffer from Depression
According to a report published in the May 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, people with traumatic brain injuries have an eight times greater risk of suffering from major depression. Unfortunately, less than 50% of depressed TBI patients receive any treatment for their depression within the first year.
Some 559 TBI patients took part in the yearlong study. Most of the participants were males who were hurt in motor vehicle crashes.
About 53% of those who took part in the study suffered from severe depression during the first year after sustaining a TBI. A significant number of those who were depressed were suffering from “new” major depression, which means that they weren’t depressed until after they sustained their TBIs.
Signs of depression include:
• Problems concentrating
• Low energy
• Guilt
• Low mood
• Sense of worthlessness
• Slowing down
• Restlessness
• Thoughts of death
Major depression has been linked to decreased quality of life, poorer self-reported health, and greater anxiety. Depressed TBI patients were more likely to experience pain, mobility problems, difficulties participating in daily activities, and at grater risk of attempting to commit suicide.
According to CNN.com, University of Washington School of Medicine professor Charles Bombardier says that a TBI can change the brain structure, which may make a brain injury patient more predisposed to suffering from depression. This greater risk of depression can hang over a TBI patient for up to 30 years after sustaining the brain injury.
Chicago Traumatic Brain Injury Cases
Our Chicago traumatic brain injury lawyers are aware of the major hurdles that TBI patients must deal with on the long road to recovery. Living with and/or treating a TBI can be very costly, which is why it is important that all negligent parties are held liabe for causing your Illinois TBI.
Major depression common after brain injury: study, Reuters, May 19, 2010
More often than not, brain injuries lead to depression, CNN Health, May 18, 2010
Related Web Resources:
JAMA
The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates represent TBI patients injured in Chicago personal injury accidents.
