Virginia Traumatic Brain Injury Victims: Are You at Risk of Depression?

Traumatic brain injury victims are eight times more likely to suffer major depression than the general population, according to Washington State Researchers (reported by the Reuters health news source). Specifically, the incident of severe depression among 559 people within their first year of traumatic brain injury (TBI) was found to be eight times greater than the estimated number of depressed sufferers in the general population. Despite these high numbers of depression cases during the first year after injury, very few traumatic brain injury sufferers were reported to receive treatment for depression within the same year. With poor quality of life, poor ability to function, and increased anxiety among the effects of major depression, these numbers reveal the need for awareness of the importance of treatment.

According to the researchers, about 53% of the study's participants were diagnosed with major depression within a year after injury, with 233 participants suffering "new" depression, meaning they were not suffering from the condition before sustaining brain injuries. The concern of the researchers is this: treatment for traumatic brain injury typically focuses on the injury alone and not its emotional or mental side effects. In light of the high numbers of depression sufferers among traumatic brain injury victims, the researchers propose that mental health services become part of standard care for TBI patients.

Approximately three million Americans are currently living with traumatic brain injury, with vehicle accidents as the most common cause of the condition. If you or a family member has suffered a Virginia traumatic brain injury in a VA or Norfolk car accident, do not hesitate to seek all necessary forms of medical care. For more information on Norfolk and Eastern Shore traumatic brain injury and side effects, contact Virginia TBI lawyer Lawrence Land. He will provide you with free resources and answers to questions at no obligation to you. Contact Lawrence Land online or at 757-251-0198.