The Connection Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Depression

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Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014
9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Recent research studies show that people who survive traumatic brain injury (TBI) are three times more likely to die prematurely (before the age of 56) from suicide or fatal injury than the general population.  This number increases significantly when there is a history of psychiatric disorder or substance use before or after the injury.  

Furthermore, emotional reactions play a significant role in  determining the quality of recovery, and cause the greatest difficulties for the injured person's long term psychological reintegration.  Personality changes after brain injury - in  particular mood and stress symptoms - are primarily the direct or indirect consequence of the injury itself.  

Dr. Tony Robertson is a Professor of Psychology at Vancouver Ialsnd University, Nanaimo and Adjunct Associate Professor at University of Victoria's Department of Psychology and graduate studies.  He received his PHD in psychology and neuroscience from Carleton University Ottawa and went on to conduct Neuropsychological research at Simon Fraser Universitie's departments of psychology and Kinesiology.