Depression and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

A major depressive episode is fairly common after a mild traumatic brain injury, especially among patients with abnormal CT results or signs of depression one week after injury according to an article in the May issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.  (Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62:523-528.)

The study authors state that there is an increased risk of a major depressive episode within the first three months following a brain trauma and throughout the first year following a traumatic brain injury. They conclude that early detection of this high risk group could improve outcome.