Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 17: Brain injuries in children, particularly traumatic brain injury (TBI), can have long-lasting effects on mental health, with a new study finding significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression among affected children.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, was conducted by researchers from the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Ohio State University and University of Washington. It analysed data from over 100,000 children aged 6 to 17 from the 2022–2023 National Survey of Children’s Health.
Findings showed that children with medically diagnosed traumatic brain injury were 1.5 to 2 times more likely to experience anxiety and depression compared to those without such injuries. In addition to mental health issues, affected children were also more prone to physical symptoms such as frequent headaches and chronic pain.
Researchers emphasised that the impact of TBI extends well beyond the initial injury. Damage to areas of the brain responsible for emotional regulation can lead to mood swings, persistent fear, sadness and behavioural changes. Since children’s brains are still developing, such disruptions can affect emotional control, learning and social interactions.
The study also highlighted the importance of family support in recovery. Strong family resilience—characterised by effective communication, stress management and emotional support—was found to significantly reduce the risk of depression in children with TBI.
Experts noted that symptoms may not appear immediately, often emerging three to six months after injury. Warning signs include anxiety, sleep disturbances, irritability, withdrawal from activities and academic difficulties. Older children and those with severe injuries or prior mental health issues are at greater risk.
The findings underline the need for routine mental health screening and long-term follow-up care for children with TBI, along with active involvement of families in the recovery process to improve long-term outcomes.