Are the after effects of a TBI similar to Mental illness

Hi probably got to much time on my hands but thinking back to immediately after my TBI I was often told (but not nastily ) after my actions I was mental !!

My question I

Can a TBI cause mental illness

[Kirk5w7]

I don't think so I think whoever it was was being unkind. Your actions may have been a bit irrational or not the norm for you but I doubt that you could have been caused mental.

A brain injury may cause an imbalance of certain hormones or chemicals produced by the brain but I doubt it causes mental illness in the way you imply.

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On browsing the web I have found information that may confirms that there is evidence that a TBI can cause mental illness I would have placed the link here but I don't know how

[scruffycat]

How long is a piece of string?

[cat3]

Hi dillm. There is a minefield of opinion with a lot of contradiction and no convincing clinical evidence supporting either view. There are so many different types of brain trauma........stroke, hypoxic, TBI, SAH, tumour etc.etc., and so many types of mental illness that diagnosis must be a big challenge.

I'm sure that the emotional upheaval many of us experience after a brain injury, can mimic mental illness to the point where it's indistinguishable. The short-temperedness, the forgetfulness, the fatigue & the heightened emotion which is so common amongst most people here is all quite capable of causing deep depression. But I believe it's more of a circumstantial malaise rather than clinical and the two would require different methods of treatment.

If it worries you, maybe you could ask your GP for a referral to a neuropsychologist who, hopefully, might be able to unravel your symptoms.

Hope you find the answers you're looking for.

Best wishes Cat x

[philstretchdavis]

Nope. Only if you let it. A TBI and a mental illness is like comparing an illness to a disease.

[crashedfairy]

I think this can depend on what type of TBI you had/have. Personally I myself already suffered chronic severe depression and anxiety prior to discovering my tumour. But for me having had a tumour for many years that I was unaware of, that may also have had implication on my mental state. I have been told that my 'anger' issues will have been as a result of having a TBI. But it very much depends on the person, type of injury and what professional you ask. A positive mind does help at times. I try to tell myself, 'I am I charge of myself' people can support and guide you, but you need to try and heal yourself. Good luck.x

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Hi update to this thread

I am advised that by a health care professional that TBI and mental health problems are linked