Surprising link found between concussions and postnatal maternal depression

The study followed over 750,000 birthing people in Ontario between 2007 and 2017, tracking mental health outcomes for up to 14 years after delivery.

A groundbreaking study has revealed that individuals with a history of concussion face a significantly higher risk of experiencing severe mental health issues after giving birth. The research, led by a team of Canadian scientists and published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, found that 11% of those with a prior concussion experienced severe maternal mental illness, compared to 7% for those without such a history.

The study followed over 750,000 birthing people in Ontario between 2007 and 2017, tracking mental health outcomes for up to 14 years after delivery. The findings were particularly striking among participants without a pre-existing mental health diagnosis. In these individuals, a prior concussion increased the risk of developing severe maternal mental illness by 33% compared to those with no concussion history, even after adjusting for factors like age, income, and history of interpersonal violence.

Samantha Krueger, the lead author and a PhD candidate at McMaster University, stated: "We found that individuals with a history of concussion were significantly more likely to experience serious mental health challenges, such as psychiatric emergency department visits or self-harm, in the years following childbirth." She further explained: "This association was especially strong for people with no prior mental health history, meaning that concussion may be an important but overlooked risk factor during pregnancy and postpartum care."

Dr. Hilary Brown, senior author and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto Scarborough, noted: "Sleep is critical to recovery after a head injury, but sleep deprivation is a reality for many new parents." She added: "Cognitive impairments, sensitivities to light and noise, and the stress of caring for a newborn can all intensify concussion symptoms, which in turn may raise the risk of mental health issues over time."

The researchers emphasized the need for routine antenatal screening for concussion history to ensure expecting mothers receive the help they need during pregnancy and following delivery. The study suggests that concussion history should be considered an important risk factor during pregnancy and postpartum care, especially for those without previous mental health diagnoses, as it may contribute to postnatal depression. The researchers advocate for the use of trauma-informed care during the postpartum period for new parents with concussion histories.

Early identification and long-term support could make a significant difference in preventing serious psychiatric outcomes. "Our study points to a critical need for healthcare providers to take concussion history into account when supporting new parents," said Krueger. The study pointed out a lack of sleep among women following childbirth as a risk factor for mental health issues, which may be linked to the increased risk of severe mental illness among mothers with a history of concussion.

Concussions can result from contact sports, violent incidents, and road traffic accidents. Activities that can make concussion symptoms worse during recovery include late nights, alcohol, crowded rooms, and vigorous exercise. The NHS says symptoms of concussion, such as a slight headache or feeling sick or dazed, can last for a fortnight afterwards. Some people will have concussion symptoms for months or longer. During recovery from a concussion, patients should eat well, stay hydrated, and focus on getting a good night's sleep. The NHS encourages concussion sufferers to pace themselves when returning to work activities and avoid overstimulation. Concussion sufferers are advised to contact their GP if symptoms don't go away.

New mothers who have previously had a concussion should talk with their doctor about their mental health and ways to protect it. The researchers hope their findings will encourage healthcare providers and policymakers to ensure adequate mental health resources for new parents with concussion histories. The study contributes to growing evidence that reproductive care should incorporate neurological and mental health factors to address the full spectrum of risks faced by birthing people.

The researchers emphasized the provision of mental health resources for new parents with concussion histories and suggested that healthcare providers should incorporate concussion screening into prenatal care. By taking concussion history into account during prenatal care, healthcare providers can better support new parents and potentially prevent serious psychiatric outcomes. The study underscores the importance of long-term, trauma-informed support to safeguard the mental health of women with a history of concussion.

Sources: Mirror, Medical Xpress, insidenova.com, ScienceBlog.com, Gazeta.ru

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq