Brain Injuries in Children Double the likelihood of Depression

Researchers find that children who have suffered brain injuries or concussions have double chances of suffering from depression.

Studies have been conducted on the impact of brain injuries on adults but not children, according to the Brown University scientists, who carried out this research.

They examined data of around 81,936 children belonging to the age group of  0 to17 years collected through parental interviews, which were conducted by the NSCH (National Survey of Children's Health) in 2007.

Around 2,034 children who experienced concussion or brain injuries were studied by the researchers. These children comprised of 1.9 percent of the national population in 2007. The researchers also found 3,112 children were suffering from depression, constituting around 3.7 percent of the total population back then.

The research shed light on the fact that children who suffered brain injuries were nearly 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with depression. Brain injury was found to be a notable pointer of depression.

"Brain injury remains significantly associated with depression in children despite adjustment for known predictors," the authors wrote in a report. "This study may enable better prognostication for brain-injured children and facilitate identification of those at high risk of depression."

The researchers found that around 3.7 percent of all U.S. children showed some form of depression symptoms and children who suffered from concussion or brain injuries exhibited15 percent prevalence of depression.  

This research will help scientists spot depressive symptoms in children who suffer traumatic brain injuries and also design better intervention methods and care.