Traumatic brain injury is a major cause of disability in the United States. While physical and cognitive rehabilitation is essential, psychological factors must be addressed as well. Major depressive disorder may be the most common and disabling psychiatric condition in individuals with traumatic brain injury. If left untreated, patients can face greater functional disability, slow or incomplete recovery, decreased cognitive functioning, and increased health care costs. Medical debt can build up quickly, leaving you unable to receive care essential to a complete recovery. Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can help you avoid getting lost in mounds of debt, without sacrificing quality of care.

Studies have shown that even without previous history of psychological dysfunction, over half of traumatic brain injury patients will meet criteria for major depressive disorder within one year of their injury. The majority of cases can be diagnosed within the first month. The majority of patients face 4 to 6 months of depression due to their traumatic brain injury. This can have a devastating impact on your career and financial situation, not to mention the strain put on your family. The Crosley Law Firm can help ensure that you and your family are provided for during this hard time.

If left untreated, major depressive disorder can lead to panic disorder and other anxiety disorders. Less than half of patients will receive antidepressants or counseling, and continue to live with a lower quality of life. Effective depression treatment may reduce disability. Treatment may be as simple as taking sertraline or psychotherapy and counseling. Mental health services have yet to be integrated into standard care for traumatic brain injury patients, but that does not mean you must suffer. Regardless of the severity of your traumatic brain injury, an injury lawyer like the Crosley Law Firm can help.