Mental Health Disorders Common Following Mild Head Injury

Researchers report 1 in 5 people are at risk of experiencing mental health conditions, such as PTSD or major depressive disorder, within 6 months of suffering a head injury, specifically mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

A study finds nearly 1 in 5 individuals may experience mental health symptoms up to six months post-mTBI. This underscores the importance of follow-up check-ups for patients who have suffered such injuries.

Scientists, using the TRACK-TBI database, identified factors that may increase the risk of developing mental health issues.

Factors like PTSD and major depressive disorder risk post-mTBI highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and tailored interventions.

Head Injury and Mental Health: Higher PTSD and Depression Risks Compared to Orthopedic Injuries

The researchers examined the mental health reports of 1,155 people who experienced a mild TBI and received treatment in the emergency department. At three, six, and 12 months after injury, the subjects completed different questionnaires which were related to PTSD and major depressive disorder. The researchers also examined individuals with orthopedic trauma, comparing them to those with mTBI but no head injury.

The findings revealed that at three and six months after the injury, people who had experienced mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) reported more symptoms related to PTSD and/or major depressive disorder than orthopedic trauma patients. This indicates a higher prevalence of mental health issues among mTBI patients compared to those with other types of injuries.

Three months post-injury, 20% of mTBI patients reported mental health symptoms, compared to 8.7% of orthopedic trauma patients. This significant difference underscores the greater impact of mTBI on mental health in the early aftermath of the injury.

At six months, 21.2% of mTBI patients still reported mental health symptoms, versus 12.1% of orthopedic trauma patients. These results highlight the persistent mental health challenges faced by individuals with mTBI over time.

The research team also utilised the data to know other risk factors for PTSD and major depressive disorder after mTBI. Lower education, African-American identity, past mental illness, and assault-related head injury increase PTSD risk, not depression.