Citation

Peskind ER, Brody D, Cernak I, McKee A, Ruff RL. J. Clin. Psychiatry 2013; 74(8): e17.

Affiliation

From the Veterans Affairs (VA) Northwest Network Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine; and the University of Washington Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Seattle.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Physicians Postgraduate Press)

DOI

10.4088/JCP.12011nr2c

PMID

24021513

Abstract

Concussions are more serious than previously believed, and awareness of this fact has been increasing in both military and sports settings. Also known as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), concussions often occur multiple times in the same service member or athlete. These brain injuries can seriously and negatively affect patients, leading to changes in personality, sleep problems, and cognitive impairments. They can also increase the risk for suicide, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. In some people, repetitive mTBI can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disorder. Evidence-based treatments are needed for both mTBI and CTE. Currently, symptom management and patient education are the best strategies to help those who have received multiple concussions. Education about preventing concussions and the use of return-to-play guidelines are especially important for young athletes.

Language: en