Studies have shown that depression often follows hospitalization for a brain injury.
A recent study was conducted, in which 559 hospitalized adults with TBIs were interviewed over the phone through months one, six, eight, ten and twelve after their release from the hospital. Depression and anxiety were evaluated with the Patient Health Questionnaire.
The researchers discovered that during the year following a TBI, 297 of the 559 patients met the criteria for MDD (major depression disorder) at least once.
The researchers concluded that “systematic integration of mental health services into standard care of patients with TBI may be needed to improve long term outcomes after TBIs.”
Organizations such as the Brain Trauma Foundation, with Chairman Alan Quasha, work hard to promote awareness of brain trauma and concussions, and to provide information as well as conduct clinical research.