Brain Injured Victims Show Signs of Depression Remission With Treatment

Copyright (c) 2008 Katie Kelley

Individuals who suffer from traumatic brain injury (TBI) may also likely suffer from depression. However, a recent issue of the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that anti-depressants were an ineffective method of therapy.

Individuals were also given selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), which is often prescribed to those with severe or major depression. According to the study, "SSRIs have shown statistically significant reductions on depression" in the past; however, with this study, patients who were showing signs of improvement at six weeks were worse at 10 weeks when they were reassessed.

The study, conducted by the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and funded by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation and Ontario Mental Health Foundation, noted that "major depression is a complication seen in about one-third of patients within the first year of TBI and, when present, is associated with poor psychosocial functioning and persisting post-concussive symptoms."

According to researchers, depression is often a symptom that develops after a traumatic brain injury has occurred. Most recently, scientists and medical professionals are reporting increased numbers of brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, which is a mental anxiety condition that affects individuals who have experienced extreme stress as described by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), because of soldiers returning from the war in Iraq.

Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury, Depression

According to the Department of Health for the state of Pennsylvania, the following are symptoms among adults that may indicate a brain injury has occurred:

* headaches and neck pain that does not dissipate

* difficulty remembering, concentrating or developing their own decisions

* unusual behavior or personality changes begin to develop

* vomiting begins after 1 to 2 hours following the injury

* difficulty walking

* seizures begin to occur or sudden onset of fixed stares

* blurred and/or double vision

* the pupils of the eyes are different

* loss of smell, taste and ringing in the ears

* blood or clear fluid begins to flow from eyes and nose

Often, a victim may be unaware of the seriousness of their injury or they may self-diagnose and be at a greater risk for a worsening TBI condition, which is why it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately upon any indication that a brain injury has occurred.

If a brain injury worsens or goes untreated, a number of brain injury side effects can develop, including depression. Additional side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic, may include the following:

* skull infections, including meningitis

* nerve damage

* language difficulties

* personality changes, including more anxious or depressed

* sensory problems

* post-concussion syndrome

* Alzheimer?s or Parkinson?s disease

* seizures

* cognitive disabilities

* coma

While depression may be a complication that has developed as a result of a TBI, its signs and symptoms are also important to watch for among both TBI victims and everyday individuals. Several signs and symptoms described by the NIMH are as follows:

* persistent sadness, anxiousness or empty moods

* hopelessness, pessimism

* feelings of guilt, helplessness, worthlessness

* loss of pleasure and interest hobbies once enjoyed

Overcoming a Traumatic Brain Injury

Patients who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury are encouraged to seek medical attention immediately. TBI victims who avoid being treated for their condition may actually find that their side effects are more intense and they are less likely to rehabilitate successfully.

There are several million United States citizens currently suffering from a brain injury - approximately 1.4 million are injured annually according to the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA). Of these 1.4 million, approximately 1.1 million are treated and released, 235,000 individuals are hospitalized for their condition, and close to 50,000 individuals perish because of their injury. TBI victims should seek medical attention immediately to avoid a worsened condition.

In addition to contacting a medical professional, it is also advisable to connect with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can provide a free legal consultation as to the details of developing a traumatic brain injury lawsuit in which monetary compensation could be awarded to a victim.