Severe traumatic brain injuries cause the development of various mental illnesses and emotional health conditions. This injury may affect the regions of the brain that control specific emotions, actions and behaviors. For patients in Florida, the effects of moderate to severe injuries affect the long-term functions of the brain and mental abilities.
Emotional challenges
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) often causes emotional problems regardless of which part of brain is damaged. The injury may cause difficulty in interpreting emotions or overexpression of certain emotions like depression, anxiety or anger. People with emotional problems experience increased levels of stress, fatigue, reduced concentration, memory loss and increased risks of substance abuse. Short-term periods of stress in victims are known to trigger emotional distress.
Neurological treatments and psychotherapy are recommended to help emotionally distressed individuals after their brain injuries. Additional treatments include the practice of relaxation techniques, deep breathing and mind stimulating activities.
Anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression are the most common emotional problems for people with TBI. Preexisting conditions may worsen after a moderate to severe injury. Common symptoms of depression include prolonged periods of sadness, fatigue, apathy and irritability. Common symptoms of anxiety are rapid heartbeats, hyperventilation and panic attacks, particularly when appearing in public. People with TBI may experience anxiety for years in which they avoid situations that are related to their injuries.
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries cause various symptoms from headaches to convulsions. The long-term effects include the development of emotional and psychological disorders that could last for decades after the injury. Anxiety, depression and stress are common, long-term health conditions that develop in many people with TBI.