Grant: Project Grant

Concussions are common pediatric injuries and symptoms include headaches, nausea, difficulty concentrating and paying attention, and confusion. They can also cause several emotional symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and changes in sleeping patterns. We found that 12% of youth presenting to a concussion program developed a new psychiatric disorder, worsening symptoms of a pre-existing condition, or suicidal ideation during concussion recovery. The long-term effects of concussion on mental health, criminality and social functioning are largely unknown. We will use Manitoba population-based data to find youth aged 10-18 years who have had a concussion and those who did not. We will follow them for at least 10 years and measure their mental health (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychosis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, substance abuse disorder, and suicide attempts), were involved with Child and Family Services, received income assistance, or were charged with a crime or a victim of a crime. We will also look for characteristics (for example, age, sex, repeat concussions, or family history of mental health diagnoses) that may increase the risk of having these outcomes. We will use data from Manitoba Health, Manitoba Administrative Health Database, Manitoba Justice, and Vital Statistics. The results will provide population-based evidence about the relationship between having a concussion as a youth and future development of psychiatric disorders, criminal behavior, and needs for social assistance. Results will inform physicians and social workers about who is at risk after a concussion and thus better initiate referrals, treatment, and assistance by appropriate specialists.