Emotional problems can include:
- depression
- apathy
- anxiety
- irritability
- anger
- paranoia
- confusion
- frustration
- agitation
- difficulty sleeping
- mood swings
Behavior problems may include:
- aggression and violence
- impulsiveness
- loss of inhibitions
- acting out
- being uncooperative
- emotional outbursts
- childish behavior
- impaired self-control
- impaired self awareness
- inability to take responsibility or accept criticism
- being concerned only with oneself
- inappropriate sexual activity
- alcohol or drug abuse.
Sometimes TBI survivors stop maturing emotionally, socially, or psychologically after the trauma, which is a particularly serious problem for children and young adults. Many TBI survivors who show psychiatric or behavioral problems can be helped with medication and psychotherapy.