Each year, approximately 1.7 million people experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI). All are at risk for long-term complications and symptoms, including changes affecting sensation, emotions, thinking, and language. Studies have also indicated that at least 25 percent of all victims are at risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD). If you or someone you love has suffered a concussion, understand what this risk means for your life, your treatment, and your right to fair compensation when negligence has caused the injury.
Risk of Depression After a Concussion
According to studies, the risk of developing depression after a concussion do not reduce over time. In fact, one study found that 33 to 42 percent of victims suffer from depression within the first year of injury and 61 percent had experienced depression by the seventh year. Another study, which examined 559 TBI victims, found an MDD prevalence rate of 52 percent. Further, the risk is not limited to those that suffer from moderate to severe TBI. Even those with mild concussions are at risk.
How Development of MDD After Concussion Can Affect Your Treatment
Depression can have a significant impact on your health, productivity, and overall quality of life. It can also increase the risk of suicide. In fact, studies have found that up to 10 percent of TBI victims experience suicidal ideation a year after their TBI, and at least 15 percent attempted suicide by the fifth year. This makes it absolutely critical that victims receive proper and effective treatment for all of their post-TBI symptoms, including those that indicate depression.
Treatment for depression should be integrated into all other therapies and treatments. Whether it is received at the hospital, at an inpatient facility, residential treatment, or outpatient center, this integrated plan can help improve the overall outcome of your recovery. However, to ensure you receive this treatment, you must talk to your doctor at the very first sign of depression.
Depression, TBI, and Negligence
Whether experienced because of an automobile accident, a construction accident, or other incident involving negligence, victims who suffer TBI because of negligence may be owed compensation. Unfortunately, insurance companies and claims adjusters often attempt to diminish the symptoms of victims and will do everything they can to reduce their payout. An experienced personal injury attorney can protect your rights and interests and help improve your chances of fair compensation.
At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., we give every accident case the respect and attention it deserves. Dedicated to our clients and their families, we fight aggressively to ensure they receive the settlement they deserve. To learn more about how we can help with your personal injury case, contact our Green Bay, Wisconsin personal injury attorneys today. Call us at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2864457/
https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/pdf/bluebook_factsheet-a.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/outcomes.html