Someone who suffers a brain injury or head trauma in an accident faces major life changes. The changes and challenges often lead to depression. In fact, depression is the most common psychiatric diagnosis after brain injury, according to health care professionals. The onset of depression and mood changes can occur immediately after the injury or several years down the road.
Doctors say it is common for people recovering from a brain injury to experience a sense of loss and grief. The feeling of loss is from no longer being able to do things that they could do before their injury. This can lead to alcohol abuse for some patients, which can cause even more harm to an injured brain. People with brain trauma react differently to alcohol than other people do. Alcohol can cause seizures and delay or block the healing process.
While anti-depressant medications are popular forms of treatment for depression, people with a brain injury are more susceptible to harmful side effects from anti-depressants. Experts think that psychotherapy is a better approach for brain injury patients.
Call our office at 504-522-7885 for a free case review if you or a loved one suffers head trauma in any type of accident. You can also visit our website for more information about our personal injury experience.
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C. – New Orleans accident lawyers