Approximately 1.7 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury in the United States each year. More than 1.3 million of these people seek emergency medical care for their injuries, but what happens to brain-injury survivors after they leave the hospital?
Traumatic Brian Injuries Can Lead to Depression
In May 2010, the Journal of the American Medical Association* published the results of a new study of traumatic brain-injury victims. According to the study, more than half of all serious traumatic brain-injury victims suffer from depression. The study found that about 53 percent of people with serious brain injuries suffer from major depressive disorder within one year of their injury. That rate is about eight times higher than that of the general population.
What’s worse? Fewer than half of the brain injury victims who suffer from major depressive disorder are getting the help they need. The study found that only 44 percent of the victims received any counseling or medication to help them.
Recovering from Depression after a Traumatic Brain Injury
Depression is a medical condition. Many people who suffer from depression can be treated effectively with counseling or medication. As with any medical condition, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
The Washington D.C. and Virginia brain injury lawyers of Shevlin Smith are committed to helping people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries because of someone else’s negligence. That commitment includes recovering damages for all medical expenses and pain and suffering incurred as a result of a brain injury.
Call the Virginia and Washington D.C. brain injury attorneys of Shevlin Smith today if you or a loved one have suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence. You do not have to suffer alone. The lawyers of Shevlin Smith will help you fight for the compensation you deserve!
*Source: Journal of American Medical Association, Vol. 303, No. 19 May 19, 2010, Rates of Major Depressive Disorder and Clinical Outcomes Following Traumatic Brain Injury