A team of researchers from Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in the United States has identified a link between multiple concussions and an increased risk of suicidal behavior in adolescents. The findings appeared in the Journal of Athletic Training (JAT) and contribute to the growing understanding of how repeated brain injuries can influence mental health outcomes in youth.
The study analyzed responses from 28,442 American high school students who took part in a nationwide program that monitors youth risk behaviors. Investigators tracked how often each student had experienced concussions within a year and examined how this frequency related to reports of suicidal behavior. The results showed that students who sustained more than two concussions in the preceding 12 months were more likely to report a suicide attempt compared to their peers who had one or no concussions.
Interestingly, the researchers noted that for adolescent girls, the severity of suicidal behavior did not appear to be connected to the total number of concussions. They emphasized that traumatic brain injuries can trigger neurochemical and neuroanatomical changes that disrupt neurological function and lead to a spectrum of immediate or delayed emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms.
Repeated concussions may provoke an amplified neuroinflammatory response, which hinders the brain’s ability to recover. This heightened inflammation is also linked with serious mental health conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, alongside an increased risk of suicidal behavior. The study highlights the importance of monitoring head injuries in adolescence and addressing mental health support for those with a history of concussions.
These findings align with a broader landscape of research showing that the cumulative impact of head injuries can have lasting effects on mood regulation, impulse control, and overall psychological well-being. Clinicians and educators are encouraged to consider concussion history as part of a comprehensive approach to student health, including mental health screening and timely intervention when concerns arise. Marked citations: Journal of Athletic Training, Prisma Health Children’s Hospital study data, national youth risk behavior surveillance program results, and related neuroinflammatory pathways in traumatic brain injury. [Citation attributions: JAT, Prisma Health, National YRBS results].
In related observations, researchers have noted that some prior studies suggested shifts in students’ literacy and comprehension patterns over time, underscoring the importance of ongoing, age-appropriate health education and support systems for young people. This broader context reinforces the need for integrated care strategies that address both physical injuries and psychological resilience among adolescents.