Mental Health Following Traumatic Injury: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Traumatic injuries are prevalent conditions that contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity across the globe. The impact of traumatic events on mental health varies across individuals. Often, a bi-directional relationship has been observed between mental health issues and traumatic injuries. A myriad of mental health issues follow traumatic injuries, with some resolving within a few weeks while others persist for years. These can lead to poor outcomes and decreased quality of life, highlighting the importance of timely screening and intervention. We have reviewed the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for mental health issues after a traumatic injury and provide a narrative synthesis of the same. It is imperative that the mental health sequelae of traumatic injuries be studied, screened, and timely managed for the holistic care of the individual.