Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury at Much Higher Risk for Developing Major Depression

brain.png

In a recent study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, approximately 53% of individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury develop major depressive disorder at some point during the year following the injury.

In the general population, only 6.7% develop this mood disorder. This study indicates that having a traumatic brain injury increases the risk of developing major depression by almost 8 times. Past estimates were quite a bit lower, ranging from only 12% up to 42% for brain injury patients. These findings were reported by Dr. Charles Bombardier and his associates at the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Center, both in Seattle.

Dr. Bombardier and his team stressed the importance of educating treatment providers regarding the risk of this population for developing major depression.

Harborview Medical Center is a level 1 trauma center. The patients in the study had sustained traumatic brain injuries ranging from mild to severe. Most of the injuries were the result of motor vehicle accidents. Over the course of the year following their injury, 53.1% qualified for a diagnosis of major depression at least once, and 36% met the criteria for the disorder for at least 6 months.

The tools used to diagnose major depression were the Patient Health Questionnaire depression and anxiety module, and the European Quality of Life measure. It was noted that one of the study’s limitations was that these are not traditional tools for making a diagnosis of major depression.

 
ocd self test
Do you or a loved one feel like you might have a problem with OCD? Take the Self Test now to get more information.
 
disclaimer

The information provided on brainphysics.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of brainphysics.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Click here to read our complete Terms of Use.

Susbscribe to our free newsletter for information & inspiration

Email

BrainPhysics.com Social