Study shows sertraline could prevent depression in TBI patients
Many people who suffer traumatic brain injury suffer from various levels of depression following diagnosis.
According to an article by Brain Blogger, the prevalence and functional effects of depressive disorder following traumatic brain injury are significant.
After a study on the issue, researchers now say sertraline may be effective for preventing depressive symptoms after TBI.
“A group of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine evaluated 94 patients aged 18 to 85 years who had been hospitalized for mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injury(TBI),” the article reads. “Most of the patients were Caucasian and more than half were male. The research team randomized the patients to receive either 100 mg daily of sertraline or placebo for 24 weeks or until symptoms of a mood disorder occurred.”
The research revealed that overall the sertraline was effective at preventing the onset of depressive symptoms compared to placebo, according to the article. It was also tolerated well and adverse effects in both treatment groups were mild.
It is unclear how long the effects of sertraline last in this patient group.
“The incidence of TBI is rising and it now is a major cause of death and disability. TBI can occur from injury, stroke, falls, motor vehicle accidents, and violence. People suffering moderate to severe TBI are at risk for depression and loss of life roles,” the article reads. “Life satisfaction declines in this population, so prevention of depressive symptoms is imperative for maintaining health and function.”
Sertraline is an antidepressant and has been used to treat PTSD. Whether or not it’s effective in treating TBI patients is still being studied.
“The results of the study, which were published in JAMA Psychiatry , need to be confirmed with larger sample sizes and in multicenter trials,” the article reads. “Further, a question remains if combining sertraline with cognitive behavioral interventions will optimize long-term outcomes.”
