Bump on the Head Why Women are More Prone to Post-Injury Blues Than Men

Gender Disparity Women More Likely to Experience Depression After Head Injury Compared to Men

Women Are More Prone to Depression After a Head Injury: Discovering the Hidden Truth

We’ve all heard that women are more likely to wear their hearts on their sleeves and shed a tear or two while watching a romantic movie. But did you know that women also have a higher odds of developing depression after suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI)? Yes, it’s true! A recent study, which analyzed almost 700,000 individuals, revealed that the risk of depression among women after a TBI was nearly 50% higher compared to men¹.

Dr. Isaac Freedman, an anesthesiology resident at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, took the lead on this eye-opening research. He emphasized that depression is a known risk factor for poor recovery after TBI. In fact, in 2019, suicide claimed the top spot for TBI-related deaths. To make matters worse, the average suicide rate was more than six times higher among those who experienced a TBI².

But why does this gender disparity exist? Well, the mechanisms behind this relationship are still unclear. One leading theory posits that the neurotransmitter glutamate plays a critical role. Glutamate, one of the brain’s VIP neurotransmitters, is intimately involved in neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to rearrange its connections and change over time³. It seems that TBI might cause an excess of glutamate, which can be toxic to cells, leading to cell injury or death. This imbalance in glutamate levels might explain the increased risk of depression among TBI patients⁴.

Now, let’s not forget our ovaries, ladies! Fluctuations in ovarian hormones have been linked to affective disorders such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum depression, and postmenopausal depression and anxiety. However, the question of why women are more often affected by depression remains a mystery. Dr. Freedman believes that unraveling this enigma could shed light on the unique challenges women face when it comes to mental health⁵.

With older women, the most common cause of TBI is falls. Tragically, loneliness and depression are leading causes of death in this demographic. That’s why identifying older women at risk for depression after head injuries from falls should be a top priority for public health. Physicians should be vigilant in recognizing that their female patients who suffer head injuries and trauma may be at a higher risk of depression compared to their male patients⁶.

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To solidify the findings, Dr. Freedman and his colleagues discovered that out of over 360,000 women who experienced a TBI, nearly 106,000 developed depression (29%). Among the almost 331,000 men, more than 72,000 experienced depression (22%)⁷.

Dr. Robert Dicker, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Northwell Health Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, N.Y., considers these findings a wake-up call. While the higher rates of depressive illnesses in women compared to men are not surprising, this study confirms the seriousness of the issue⁸. Dr. Dicker raises an interesting point – TBIs might be underestimated in women. For example, the prevalence of TBIs in women’s soccer is alarmingly high. Could this underappreciation of the injury contribute to the development of depression? It’s a possibility worth exploring⁹!

Now, my dear readers, let’s not despair. Depression doesn’t have to be fought alone. There is hope! Treatments are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants. Remember, the good news is that the response rates for treating depressive illness after a TBI are equal in men and women. No one should suffer silently when help is within reach¹⁰.

Interact With Us!

What are your thoughts on this study? Do you have any personal experiences related to head injuries and depression? We would love to hear from you! Share your stories and insights in the comments below. Together, we can support and uplift one another. Remember, you are never alone in this journey towards better mental health!

More information

For more on traumatic brain injury, head to the U.S. National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke.

Sources:

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