Dr. Lisa Brenner, a rehab neuropsychologist, gives a comprehensive overview of the research on the relationship between mTBI, blast exposure, and PTSD in military populations, and adds military-specific recommendations for evaluation and treatment.

A study published in Neurotrauma identified key gender differences in sport-related concussion (SRC) not captured by standard unidimensional assessment tools––in this case, the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT).

A recent systematic review by Lucas Tze Peng Tan and colleagues found that recovery after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is often incomplete and longer-lasting for older adults, with ongoing symptoms frequently missed by standard assessment tools.

An article in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that the risk of suicide in patients ages 5-24 increased after sustaining a concussion.

A narrative review in Brain Sciences evaluated 29 studies and found evidence that psilocybin could play a role in recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

A recent study suggests that different meditation interventions (particularly those focused on mindfulness) benefit individuals at risk for high cortisol levels––especially for those with a somatic (physical) illness.

Learn about a free, high-quality mindfulness app created by UCLA Mindfulness Education Center ; our previous newsletter covered meditation, particularly mindfulness, for at-risk populations.

A study found evidence to suggest a link between concussion history and a 25% increased risk of severe mental health challenges in the 14 years after childbirth in comparison to those who have no history of concussion.

A study investigating health-related quality of life (HRQL) metrics and other psychological factors post-concussion in youth found that that psychological risk factors such as anxiety and depression negatively impact health-related quality of life in the initial 6-month phase of pediatric concussion.

A study investigated the link between concussion history, changes in limbic brain structure (the emotional processing system), and psychiatric symptoms, focusing on the kynurenine pathway (KP) as a potential mechanism. The KP is a metabolic pathway connected to inflammation, the immune system, and neurological conditions.

A study found that engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during post-concussion recovery can reduce anxiety levels in teens and have other beneficial effects.

A study published in JAMA Network Open challenges the existing idea that early childhood concussion may have relatively benign effects and highlights that postconcussive symptoms can be relatively long-lasting.

In a study published in Sports Health, Master et al. found that the existence of pre-injury mental health diagnoses correlated with longer concussion recovery time and increased emotional symptoms.

A study published in Biological Psychiatry

found that concussions may alter the trajectory of white matter maturation in female children and that this alteration may play a role in the onset of new depression and anxiety after concussion. 

Findings from a recent study in Nature Mental Health exploring the gut-brain-microbiota axis revealed that those who adhered to a Mediterranean diet experienced reduced PTSD symptoms,

The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics published a study that found a significant correlation between children who sustain mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs/concussions) and risk of developing affective disorders (anxiety, depression, OCD, or adjustment disorders) and behavioral disorders (ADHD or Conduct Disorder) within four years post-injury.

According to a news release by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, women are significantly more likely to experience depression following a concussion or other traumatic brain injury (TBI) when compared to men.

An article highlighted the effectiveness and significant benefits of physical activity when utilized as an intervention for a range of mental health issues, specifically in managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in adults.

Scientists have found that athletes with baseline comorbid depression and anxiety reported more symptoms on the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale, without having a recent concussion, than the post-concussion athletes who had a healthy mood at baseline.

A study conducted by Jacob Kay et al. found that male and female teenagers who reported a history of concussion in the last year were at greater risk of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts than those who had not sustained a concussion in the previous year.