Can a Car Accident Cause Schizophrenia?

Traumatic brain injuries can be a significant problem for those involved in serious car accidents. Head injuries sustained during a car crash can potentially lead to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, or more serious mental health afflictions like schizophrenia. While the research on the subject is ongoing, there does appear to be a link between suffering a head injury and developing schizophrenia. Read on to see what schizophrenia is, how it affects people, how it is treated, and what you should do if this happens to you or a loved one.

What is Schizophrenia?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Individuals with the disorder may appear as if they have lost touch with reality. When untreated, it can be tough for a person to participate in a normal life. The symptoms may be disabling and may include delusions, hallucinations, thought disorder, problems with cognition and memory, and a reduction in positive feelings.

Can a Head Injury Cause Schizophrenia?

Recent studies show that head trauma may increase a person’s risk of developing schizophrenia. According to this study, individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury are 1.6 times more likely to develop schizophrenia than those who have not had a head injury. The risk is higher if there is a history of schizophrenia in a person’s family. While the studies show that the risk of developing schizophrenia increases, it does not mean that head injuries, such as the kind present in car accidents, necessarily cause schizophrenia. However, there is an undeniable link, and it can be a factor in developing schizophrenia.

Living with Schizophrenia

If this is a situation you or a loved one are faced with, there are ways to live a productive life despite the diagnosis. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, medication and counseling are two ways to help manage symptoms. A licensed mental health professional can help you use coping skills to face everyday challenges. Counseling and medication can help reduce symptoms of the disease. A treatment plan for schizophrenia also involves support for families, education, housing, and work.

Diagnosed with Schizophrenia After a Car Crash?

If the negligence of another person caused you to be involved in a motor vehicle collision, thereby leading to a diagnosis of schizophrenia, it is important to receive care from medical professionals who have experience dealing with traumatic brain injuries. It may also be helpful to contact an experienced personal injury attorney, who will be able to advise you on your legal rights

Hurt In A Car? Call William Mattar.

Practice Areas | No Fee Until We Win^SM | Contact Now Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with schizophrenia since being involved in a car accident? At William Mattar Law Offices, our car accident lawyers can help you after your car crash. Serving Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, New York City, and Long Island. Call for a free case evaluation today at 844-444-4444.