“ We found that just over a quarter ( 26 %) of those with anxiety or symptoms of depression were receiving therapy or medication ,” says Ms . Ramulu . “ If mental health problems are being undertreated , this could increase the risk of self-harm and suicide .”
Issue 33.3 SUMMER 2024 because their brains are still developing ,” says Ms . Ramulu .
“ Previous work has shown that symptoms , such as tiredness , headaches and difficulties with memory and concentration , can last for years , affect schooling , and increase a young person ’ s risk of self-harm and suicide .”
“ Most of this research has , however , been on adults or on children being treated in clinics and there has been a lack of information about the impact of concussions and brain injuries on youngsters in the general population .”
To address this , Ms . Ramulu , along with Dr . Varshini Varadaraj , of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and Dr Samir Belagaje , of Emory University in Atlanta , analysed data on 4,269 children aged 5-17 whose parents ( or other responsible adult ) took part in the 2020 National Health Interview Survey ( NHIS ), a nationally representative study .
The survey also contained questions about the child ’ s current mental and social wellbeing .
Those who ’ d had symptoms or diagnosis of a concussion or brain injury had 60 % higher odds of symptoms of depression and twice the odds of anxiety than those without symptoms or a diagnosis .
They were also more likely to take medication to help with their concentration ( 70 % higher odds ), mental health , behaviour , or emotions and more likely to have had counselling ( 50 % higher odds ).
“ We found that just over a quarter ( 26 %) of those with anxiety or symptoms of depression were receiving therapy or medication ,” says Ms . Ramulu . “ If mental health problems are being undertreated , this could increase the risk of self-harm and suicide .”
Children with symptoms and / or a diagnosis of concussion or brain injury also found it harder to make friends ( 57 % higher odds ).
While the study couldn ’ t prove causation , the results suggest that concussions increase the risk of mental health , social and behavioural difficulties in children , say the researchers .
The authors conclude that there ’ s an urgent need for all children to be checked for concussion and brain injury after a blow to the head .
“ The routine evaluation of children who have suffered a blow to the head is vital if children are to receive the treatments and care that they need , be that medicines , mental health counselling or help with making friends ,” explains Ms . Ramulu .
“ Identifying a concussion or brain injury is also an important step in preventing a second head trauma , which can be more serious and take longer to recover from .” g
The parents were asked if , as result of a blow or jolt to the head , the child had ever had any symptoms of a brain injury or concussion . Potential symptoms were listed as : being knocked out or losing consciousness ; being dazed or left with a gap in memory ; headaches , vomiting , blurred vision or changes in mood or behaviour .
They were also asked if the child had ever been checked for a concussion or brain injury and if that had led to them being diagnosed with one .
Some 8.7 % of the children had had symptoms of a concussion or brain injury and 5.3 % had been formally diagnosed .
Extrapolation of the results to all U . S . children aged 5-17 years suggests 4.6 million had symptoms and 2.6 million had a diagnosis in 2020 .
In addition , some 23 % of children with symptoms had not been checked for a concussion or brain injury ( equating to around one million nationally ), with younger children more likely to have missed out .
“ We found that just over a quarter ( 26 %) of those with anxiety or symptoms of depression were receiving therapy or medication ,” says Ms . Ramulu . “ If mental health problems are being undertreated , this could increase the risk of self-harm and suicide .”
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