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People with pre-existing mental health problems are more likely to develop PTSD post mild TBI
By:
Deutschmann Personal Injury & Disability Law (Lawyers)
| Published 03/25/2019
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion has long been linked to mood changes, headaches, sleep disruption, and problems with concentration. It now seems that it is also being linked to post traumatic brain disorder (PTSD).
A study published in January in JAMA psychiatry analyzed who as at greatest risk for developing mental health problems such as PTSD or major depression post mild TBI. Averse mental health outcomes are of great interest to researchers as they can greatly impede the ability of people to recover in a timely manner from their injuries and because they are poorly understood leaving many people suffering from untreated mental health problems.
The study focused on almost 1200 orthopedic patients whose injuries didn’t include the head. What they found was that patients with mTBI were more likely to report that they suffer from major depression or PTSD 3 and 6 months post injury. Patients with a history of prior mental health problems, or those who had suffered their mTBI from a violent assault or other cause had higher risk for PTSD as well.
The study has concluded that the risk of mental health issues occurring is much higher in the mTBI population who suffers from pre-existing mental health issues. This knowledge can be used to properly asses, treat and create adequate treatment plans for patients.
You can read the full text of the study here.
