Mood disorders following traumatic brain injury

Int Rev Psychiatry. 2003 Nov;15(4):317-27. doi: 10.1080/09540260310001606700.

Abstract

Mood disorders are a frequent complication of traumatic brain injury that exerts a deleterious effect on the recovery process and psychosocial outcome of brain injured patients. Prior psychiatric history and impaired social support have been consistently reported as risk factors for developing mood disorders after traumatic brain injury (TBI). In addition, biological factors such as the involvement of the prefrontal cortex and probably other limbic and paralimbic structures may play a significant role in the complex pathophysiology of these disorders. Preliminary studies have suggested that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as sertraline, mood stabilizers such as sodium valproate, as well as stimulants and ECT may be useful in treating these disorders. Mood disorders occurring after TBI are clearly an area of neuropsychiatry in which further research in etiology as well as treatment is needed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bipolar Disorder / diagnosis
  • Bipolar Disorder / etiology
  • Brain Injuries / complications*
  • Brain Injuries / physiopathology
  • Brain Injuries / therapy*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mood Disorders / diagnosis
  • Mood Disorders / etiology*
  • Mood Disorders / therapy
  • Psychotherapy / methods
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors