Predictors of New-Onset Depression After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is the most common form of TBI.Most people recover after mTBI but a small percentage continues to have persistent problems, predominantly depression.There is however minimal literature on the risk factors associated with mTBI depression.In a sample of 43 mTBI patients, followed longitudinally for one year the prevalence of new-onset depression was found to be 18%.Older age and presence of frontal subdural hemorrhage were the only two significant findings noted in the depressed group compared to the non-depressed group.Identifying risk factors for mTBI depression can aid in early diagnosis and treatment.