New Research Shows Traumatic Brain Injury-Related Depression is Different from Other Types
A recent study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine has shed new light on depression that occurs after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The research, conducted by Dr. Shan Siddiqi, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, suggests that this type of depression is different from other forms of the condition, opening up the possibility for more effective treatments in the future.
Currently, nearly half of people who experience a TBI develop depression within the first year. This is a serious concern considering that approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer from a TBI each year, with around 230,000 individuals requiring hospitalization. While depression following TBI is common, traditional treatments such as antidepressants and cognitive behavioral interventions do not always yield positive results.
Dr. Siddiqi and his colleagues propose a new subtype of depression called “TBI affective syndrome.” The study indicates that some psychologists, neurologists, and psychiatrists have long believed in the existence of different subtypes of depression, but have struggled to scientifically prove it. The findings could potentially change the way depression is treated in the future.
The research utilized advanced imaging technology to compare brain scans of individuals with depression following a TBI, individuals with depression but no TBI, and individuals with and without post-traumatic stress disorder. The analysis showed that while similar brain circuits associated with depression were activated in all groups, the ways in which these circuits operated differed. The imaging technique focused on how oxygen moved within the brain and provided detailed maps of the brains of 273 adults who had experienced traumatic brain injuries.
Dr. Siddiqi explains that the difference in how these circuits operate suggests a different disease process. While further research is needed to determine the exact cause of this structural change, Siddiqi believes the findings will help tailor individualized treatments for individuals with depression following a TBI.
This study adds to a growing body of research on depression subtypes. In June, scientists at Stanford Medicine proposed a new category of depression called the cognitive biotype, which accounts for approximately 27% of depressed patients and does not respond well to standard antidepressant treatments.
Dr. Carla Marie Manly, a clinical psychologist, notes that depression is heterogeneous, meaning it has many different root causes and manifests differently in each person. The personalized approach to treating depression that is emerging from scientific research is an exciting development that could provide more effective and tailored treatment options for individuals.
Dr. Siddiqi hopes that his latest study helps destigmatize depression after a TBI and encourages further investigation into the specific treatment needs of individuals with this condition. By identifying the structural association of the dysfunction, researchers can work towards developing targeted treatments and improving outcomes for those affected by this unique type of depression.