Depression After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Review of Evidence for Clinical Heterogeneity

Abstract

Depression represents a major source of disability among individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), with estimates of prevalence in this population ranging over 50%. In comparison with other sequelae of TBI, depression is often poorly conceptualized and treated among acute care and rehabilitation professionals. One reason for this is the lack of clear etiological models for the development of depression following TBI. This paper argues that post-TBI depression actually represents a heterogeneous category, with multiple etiologic pathways and clinical implications. The literature in this area is reviewed, with an emphasis on an appreciation of the diversity within this clinical population. Conclusions focus on suggestions for differential diagnosis and treatment options.

Pilot study to develop telehealth tinnitus management for persons with and without traumatic brain injury

“…Most of the participants in this study screened negative for depression, although it was noted that the mTBI group screened positive for depression most often. These findings are consistent with the literature that provides substantial evidence that TBI is associated with sleep disturbance, anxiety, PTSD, and depression [50][51][52][53][54][55].…”

Efficacy of Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation: Interventions of QEEG-guided Biofeedback, Computers, Strategies, and Medications

“…Depression often accompanies TBI with over 50% comorbidity (Moldover et al 2004). ADHD drugs such as Ritalin (Methylphenidate) and Focalin Ò (dexmethylphenidate HCl) have been recommended due to their effectiveness with attention deficit disorder (Plenger et al 1996).…”

Exploring the feasibility and usability of the experience sampling method to examine the daily lives of patients with acquired brain injury

“…Effective treatment of these problems should therefore take into account the personal and contextual factors that contribute to their occurrence (Ownsworth & Oei, 1998;Ylvisaker et al, 2005). However, personenvironment interactions are often complex and difficult to measure in real life (Cott, Wiles, & Devitt, 2007;Moldover, Goldberg, & Prout, 2004). Contextual information is therefore often not always available and this may seriously hamper treatment effectiveness (Moldover et al, 2004).…”

“…However, personenvironment interactions are often complex and difficult to measure in real life (Cott, Wiles, & Devitt, 2007;Moldover, Goldberg, & Prout, 2004). Contextual information is therefore often not always available and this may seriously hamper treatment effectiveness (Moldover et al, 2004). The use of retrospective questionnaires and clinical interviews may not sufficiently capture these complex real life interactions, and may only reflect state-dependent and potentially biased memory reports.…”