Podcast: Depression After a Traumatic Brain Injury

Debra: From the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, I’m Debra James with Healthcare 411: Information for better health.

When someone gets hit on the head because of a fall, a car accident or in a sports competition, the blow may cause serious brain injuries. These traumatic brain injuries can also lead to other issues, such as depression. A free brochure from AHRQ explains traumatic brain injuries, the available treatments for depression and their possible side effects.

AHRQ Project Officer Marian James:

Marian James: Current data show that about 30 percent of the people who have traumatic brain injuries develop depression. So it’s important that people know the symptoms of depression and that many treatments are available. The guide lists both symptoms and treatments and offers questions that patients can discuss with their clinicians.

Debra: To get a free copy of the publication, Depression after Brain Injury: A Guide for Patients and their Caregivers, call 1-800-358-9295. Healthcare 411 is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.