A concussion is a type of brain injury resulting from head trauma, and are somewhat common in sports like football because of the amount of physical contact involved. Because concussions affect brain functioning, they sometimes cause symptoms of depression, such as loss of interest and sadness. Learning about the connection between concussions from playing football and depression allows patients to better understand the condition and choose the most effective treatment.
Causes
Depression is a complex mental health condition resulting from a combination of factors like genetic and environmental influences. Less commonly, a traumatic brain injury like a concussion can precede the onset of depression. While uncommon in the general population, depression rates among trauma patients are often as high as 40 percent, according to Science Daily.
The connection between concussion and depression is complex. Science Daily states that concussion patients with depression symptoms show reduced brain activity in parts of the brain affected by major depression, explaining in part the similarities between post-concussion symptoms and major depression.
Symptoms
Depression manifests in different ways for each person, but common symptoms include loss of interest, sadness and feelings of hopelessness or emptiness. Emotions like guilt and self-hatred are common in depressed patients and can lead to additional complications, like suicidal behavior. Changes in eating or sleeping patterns sometimes accompany depression and can result in significant weight gain or loss. Other symptoms include fatigue, anxiety and unprovoked crying.
Depression is only one of many potential symptoms of concussion. Headache, confusion, sleep disturbances and irritability also can be present after a traumatic brain injury.
Complications
Regardless of the cause, depression is a serious medical condition that can lead to severe complications if left untreated. According to MayoClinic.com, substance abuse, suicide, heart disease and social isolation are possible complications of depression.
Depression affects mood, cognition and emotional health, taking a toll on daily functioning and quality of life. Failure to treat depression adequately can have a negative impact on virtually every area of a person's life, including academic and athletic performance, social interaction and interpersonal relationships.
Prevention and Treatment
While there is no specific treatment for concussion, football players with concussion-induced depression might benefit from many of the same treatments as those used for major depression. A combination of medication and psychotherapy can help improve overall functioning by addressing the biological and psychological factors that contribute to depression.
The National Institutes of Health states that cognitive changes in injured athletes are generally self-limiting, with patients regaining normal levels of cognitive functioning within 14 days on average. Taking steps to prevent concussion, such as wearing appropriate safety gear when playing football, can help reduce the risk of concussion among athletes.
