Medical statistics suggest that nearly half of all traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients will encounter some level of depression over the course of the year following their injury. Understanding why traumatic brain injuries tend to cause individuals to experience some varying degree of depression can help people to embrace the fact that they are not alone in the way they feel.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has found that traumatic brain injury patients are eight times more likely to experience depression symptoms than people without head injuries.
Two Ways Traumatic Brain Injury Can Cause Depression
Different factors can contribute to depression after a head injury. It is important to understand that each person’s brain is unique and that no two brain injuries are exactly alike. The following two factors illuminate how an injury may cause symptoms of depression to surface:
- Physical Changes in Brain Tissue: Physical injury to specific sections of the brain which regulate a person’s emotions can trigger depression. When brain tissue is traumatized, swelling can occur much like skin and muscle tissue can bruise and become “tender”. Physically injured brain cells can also become weak or brittle. One might picture grey matter with the consistency of a rubbery sponge, where injured areas resemble dried, brittle pockets within a sponge. Trauma can also impact the brain’s production of natural chemicals, called neurotransmitters. Serotonin and norepinephrine are the neurotransmitters most closely associated with sleep, happiness, and overall emotional balance.
- Emotional Trauma: When a TBI patient struggles to make adjustments to a temporary or permanent disability, losses, or role reversals within his/her home, the psychological impact can seem overwhelming. When coupled with a pre-existing disposition towards chemical imbalances, a patient’s ability to cope with the frustrations of physical impairment may lead to persistent feelings of helplessness.
While research studies have shown that traumatic brain injuries can bring on symptoms of depression, some individuals are also at a higher risk for depression due to their genetic predisposition. Depression, and many other mental conditions, are hereditary. Even if a patient has not experienced any depression symptoms prior to their head injury, the resulting environmental and lifestyle adjustments can be enough to trigger depression symptoms at any time during the recovery process.
Three Sources of Help for Treating Depression in TBI Patients
If a brain injured individual begins to experience a sudden loss of motivation or energy, long periods of sadness or frequent crying, mood swings, or changes in sleeping patterns – they may be suffering from depression. The patient should realize that depression is very common, it is not their fault, and it can be treated. Seek out treatment by contacting one of the following:
- Doctor / Physician – Primary care physicians, neurologists, and some nurse practitioners specialize in treating depression and are often the best place to start.
- Mental Health Professionals: Your physician or neurologist may recommend a specialized psychiatrist, counselor, or social worker to offer further support and to help determine if any medications might alleviate symptoms and improve mood.
- National Institute of Mental Health: The NIMH offers free resources, references, and designed to help patients cope with depression and seek out proper treatment. They can be reached at 1-866-615-6464. Resources and general information are also available online on the NIMH website.
References:
Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center – Depression after TBI
