Staff Perspective: New Dangers from Concussions?
A recent study highlights new potential complications from traumatic brain injury. In addition to the already known symptoms and dangers of concussions and mTBI, research published in the Canadian Medical Journal suggests that they may significantly increase the later risk of suicide.
Almost 250,000 adults who sustained a mild concussion were tracked for later from suicide. It was found that these deaths occurred at three times the normal rate. This risk also increased even more with additional concussions.
The study suggest three possible explanations for this. First, those who suffer concussions may already have a lifestyle that heightens the risk of depression and suicide. The second is that individuals who suffer concussions may not give themselves time to fully recover, causing difficulties in life, which may lead to suicide. The final suggested explanation is that concussions may cause injuries in the brain that never fully heal, resulting in increased chances of suicide. More study is needed, but this research provides even more potential dangers that may come along with mTBIs.
While on the subject of traumatic brain injuries, March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month. To help spotlight this, the CDP Presents webinar for March will be “Psychological Consequences of Brain Injury and Implications for Treatment in Service Members and Veterans.” This webinar will be presented by Dr. Johanna Wolfe and Dr. Jenelle Anthony on 15 March from noon to 1:30 p.m. EST. We encourage you to sign up and attend this webinar. However, if you can’t make it to the live presentation, we will be posting a recording of the event in the CDP Presents section of our website.
Chris A. Adams is the Online Services Project Manager for the Center for Deployment Psychology.
A recent study highlights new potential complications from traumatic brain injury. In addition to the already known symptoms and dangers of concussions and mTBI, research published in the Canadian Medical Journal suggests that they may significantly increase the later risk of suicide.
Almost 250,000 adults who sustained a mild concussion were tracked for later from suicide. It was found that these deaths occurred at three times the normal rate. This risk also increased even more with additional concussions.
The study suggest three possible explanations for this. First, those who suffer concussions may already have a lifestyle that heightens the risk of depression and suicide. The second is that individuals who suffer concussions may not give themselves time to fully recover, causing difficulties in life, which may lead to suicide. The final suggested explanation is that concussions may cause injuries in the brain that never fully heal, resulting in increased chances of suicide. More study is needed, but this research provides even more potential dangers that may come along with mTBIs.
While on the subject of traumatic brain injuries, March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month. To help spotlight this, the CDP Presents webinar for March will be “Psychological Consequences of Brain Injury and Implications for Treatment in Service Members and Veterans.” This webinar will be presented by Dr. Johanna Wolfe and Dr. Jenelle Anthony on 15 March from noon to 1:30 p.m. EST. We encourage you to sign up and attend this webinar. However, if you can’t make it to the live presentation, we will be posting a recording of the event in the CDP Presents section of our website.
Chris A. Adams is the Online Services Project Manager for the Center for Deployment Psychology.