Assessment Depression and Anxiety
Assessment
There is an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety after a head injury or neurological disease. These conditions must be acknowledged and treated. Antidepressant medication and psychological treatment can provide significant help for depression and anxiety. Low-dose antidepressant medications can also help with emotional lability, tearfulness, and irritability, but they do not help with brain fatigue.
It is important to distinguish between brain fatigue and depression. Both conditions can occur separately or simultaneously, and there are several overlapping symptoms. However, the core symptoms for the two conditions are different:
- Brain Fatigue: Characterized by clear fatigue related to mental activity, often exceeding what is possible to do. Fatigue often has daily variation, with long recovery times, and rest helps.
- Depression: Characterized by a continuous low mood or sadness and reduced interest in activities. Fatigue is more constant.