For many people, the overlap between brain injury and mental health issues can be very confusing. The effects of brain injury can often be very similar, or the same, as those of a mental health condition, leading to mis-diagnosis and referrals to inappropriate services. To further complicate things, pre-existing mental health problems before the injury can exacerbate the effects of both conditions. Add in the psychological strain that a brain injury can place on a survivor, and it's not surprising that people with a brain injury, their family members, friends, colleagues and even doctors can struggle to recognise and deal with mental health after brain injury.
Our new factsheet, Mental health and brain injury, is designed to help understand the interaction between brain injury and mental health, and what to do if you suspect you have a mental health condition after brain injury. Written with support from Dr Simon Fleminger, Consultant Neuropsychiatrist at Glenside Hospital, the factsheet gives guidance and diagnosis and treatment, as well as listing useful services and organisations that can help.
Click here to download the factsheet (PDF), or visit the information library to view our full range of publications.
You can also contact the Headway helpline to discuss any of the issues covered here.
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