Traumatic brain injuries plague hundreds of thousands of people across the world. They cause various side effects that often occur for long periods of time. Not only can a traumatic brain injury impact a person’s physical well-being, but it can also cause a range of psychiatric effects. Understanding the psychiatric effects of traumatic brain injuries, as well as the best treatment options, can be helpful for those dealing with or caring for individuals.
Depression
Patients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries may deal with depression as a side effect. Depression is a mental health condition that causes feelings of despair, sadness, hopelessness, and/or loss. The feelings do not improve over time and may be so intense that the affected person has trouble participating in activities of daily life. Common symptoms of depression include:
- Sleep or appetite changes.
- Feeling down or sad.
- Loss of interest in activities that previously brought pleasure.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Lack of energy.
- Feeling worthless or guilty.
In extreme cases, depression may cause thoughts of death or suicide. Although many traumatic brain injury patients feel down or sad about the experience that caused the injury, prolonged feelings of sadness can indicate depression.
Anxiety
Anxiety is another mental health condition that causes feelings of fear and nervousness. These feelings are often experienced in disproportion to the situation in which they occur. Sudden onset of anxiety can cause a panic attack, which may cause an individual to feel like they can’t breathe or participate in an activity. Those suffering from anxiety may struggle to make decisions, be reasoned with, or concentrate on activities. Anxiety can also cause people to worry excessively, which interferes with their daily lives.
Mood Changes
Mood swings, or sudden shifts in a person’s mood, can be a psychiatric effect of a traumatic brain injury. The cycle of being in a good mood, quickly followed by a bad one, can be referred to as emotional liability. Sudden changes in mood or behavior can make it difficult to interact with someone who has experienced a brain injury.
Difficulty Controlling Emotions
Similar to mood swings, having trouble controlling one’s emotions can occur as the result of a traumatic brain injury. An individual may suddenly start to laugh or cry, often unexpectedly and in a situation that doesn’t warrant this type of emotional response. Having trouble controlling emotions can also result in other types of outbursts, such as sudden episodes of anger or fear. In most patients, this side effect resolves a few months after the injury.
Fatigue or Apathy
As mentioned, those suffering from depression might feel particularly exhausted by or apathetic toward activities or situations that they once sought out and enjoyed. Fatigue or apathy can also exist as standalone effects of a traumatic brain injury. Experiencing these feelings can cause the patient to struggle with their mood, memory, communication skills, concentration, attention span, and even physical functions. Treating the psychological effects of a traumatic brain injury can be challenging. However, it’s always worthwhile to seek treatment from an experienced professional. Horizon Counseling Services is here to help those impacted by traumatic brain injuries that cause psychological and emotional side effects.
