Persistent post-concussion symptoms are associated with increased risk of depression

People experiencing persistent post-concussion symptoms were at increased risk of depressive symptoms, researchers reported JAMA network opened.

A few individuals who have had a concussion experience symptoms for months or years after the injury. This is sometimes called persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Dr. Maud Lambert, Written by a professor and colleague in the Department of Psychology at the University of Ottawa.

Lambert and colleagues sought to assess the association between depressive symptoms and PPCS in children, adolescents, and adults through a meta-analysis and to explore potential moderators of the association. Studies involving participants with PPCS and quantified depressive symptoms were included.

Data were extracted from 18 studies with a total of 9,101 participants. Of the 18 studies, 13 consisted of adult participants only. The mean post-concussion duration for all participants was 21.3 weeks for him.

A meta-analysis showed a significant association between PPCS and depressive symptoms (OR = 4.56; 95% CI, 2.82-7.37). There were no significant moderators, perhaps due to the small number of included studies, the authors noted.

“We found a positive association between PPCS and depressive symptoms. These findings support the need for mental health interventions in concussion rehabilitation.” Lambert and colleagues wrote. “Gaining more knowledge about PPCS and identifying target variables that improve long-term outcomes are important to inform the development of optimal concussion care plans.”