Car accidents often result in traumatic brain injury (TBI). The obvious effects of these injuries, such as impaired motor skills and weakened cognitive abilities, are relatively easy to diagnose and treat if possible. But recent studies show that long term effects of TBIs can include depression, aggression and anxiety, which are too often left undiagnosed and untreated by health care professionals.
A recent study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrates the prevalence of depression and anxiety after brain injury. The study revealed that more than half of all patients with brain injury suffer depression more than 30 days after the injury. To put this number in perspective, these victims suffer a rate of depression more than seven times the rate experienced by the general population.
The study also found that, among those suffering, less than half were properly treated with medication. This means that many who suffer head trauma in a car accident ultimately struggle with depression, anxiety and other psychological conditions that go untreated.
While those involved in car accidents suffer, so do veterans. Statistics from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center show that one-third of those admitted suffer from similar brain injuries, mostly from roadside improvised explosives. Based on the above studies, these veterans are likely suffering from the same untreated conditions as car-accident victims.
Patients with brain injury should be screened and, if necessary, treated for depression, anxiety, aggression and other psychological conditions. These studies show that traumatic brain injury has far-reaching impact that includes not just physical manifestations but mental and emotional problems as well. Speak to an experienced personal injury attorney if you've been involved in a car accident.
