Treatment of depression following traumatic brain injury.
Depression is a common consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and is a source of substantial distress and disability for persons with TBI and their families. This article offers a practical approach to the evaluation and treatment of this condition. Diagnostic and etiologic considerations relevant to this issue are reviewed first. Next, somatic therapies for posttraumatic depression, including antidepressant medications and electroconvulsive therapy, are discussed. Use of these therapies is also considered in the context of the common medical and neurological comorbidities among persons with TBI. Finally, psychosocial interventions relevant to the care of persons with posttraumatic depression are presented.
Alderfer
Benjamin S
BS
Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit, HealthONE Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
Arciniegas
David B
DB
Silver
Jonathan M
JM
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents