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Childhood brain injuries may cause later depression and anxiety

On Behalf of | Feb 1, 2021 | Blog, Brain Injury |

Residents of Oakland and other areas of California may want to know more about recent studies that relate to childhood brain injuries. Followed up as adults, those who had traumatic injuries to their brain as a child, experienced psychological effects, such as phobias, depression and anxiety.

According to Reuters, more than a decade later, symptoms were showing up. The impact of brain injuries went far beyond childhood.

What is a traumatic brain injury?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an outside force, such as a blow to the head, causes some kind of brain dysfunction. It may show up as loss of consciousness, amnesia or damage to brain tissue. This type of injury is visible on a scan.

What science reveals

Average age for those with mild TBI was 10-11 years old. Those with more severe TBI were younger when the injury occurred around 7 years old.

Compared to people that had no brain injuries, those who had experienced a TBI were five times more likely to experience a disorder based on anxiety. This includes generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, panic attacks and depression. A personal injury may have effects that last longer than previously thought.

Most people recover

Science shows that most people recover 100 percent from a TBI in their childhood. More research should continue, however, if the TBI increases the risk for psychological problems. A researcher at Monash University School of Psychological Sciences in Melbourne, Australia, Michelle Albicini, was the lead researcher in the study. She stated that more work needs to be done, lessening the burden of a brain injury.

If you or a family member have had a catastrophic injury, whether a TBI or other injury, you may want to consult with an attorney with this type of legal experience. Personal injury can affect you in the present as well as in the future. A knowledgeable attorney may help you get the compensation you deserve and go forward with your life.

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