Neuropsychiatry and brain injury

Abstract

In western countries, accidents remain the leading cause of death in young adults. Worldwide, road traffic injuries in particular are increasing in incidence and injuries are projected to be the third leading cause of death and disability worldwide by 2020. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury, while falls are second. Brain injury accounts for up to half of all deaths from trauma and often causes severe and long-lasting functional impairment in survivors. This article reviews the neuropsychiatric disturbances associated with traumatic brain injury, describing various psychiatric sequelae.