ABSTRACT
Psychological and mental health factors are important areas of focus for clinicians when considering post-concussion management. Not everyone who experiences a concussion will experience mental health difficulties; however, for those who do, they can persist and significantly impact post-concussion symptoms. The presence of psychological and mental health factors post concussion can be extensively diverse, including mood and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and fatigue-related disorders. Several factors have been shown to contribute toward how a child or adolescent experiences post-concussion symptoms that may include age, sex, personality traits, and family dynamics. This chapter is divided into sections outlining the common mental health difficulties experienced post concussion and the key personal factors to be considered in the post-concussion stage. At the conclusion of this chapter, a clinical case study of a high-school age female is presented that outlines the presence and resolution of post-concussion symptoms with a focus on psychological and mental health factors. Recommendations are made for future areas of research.
