Impacto do traumatismo cranioencefálico no desenvolvimento de transtorno do humor e ansiedade na população pediátrica

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as any brain injury caused by an external force and is a significant public health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Globally, an estimated 27.8 million people will suffer a TBI each year, with the pediatric population being one of the most affected groups. The pediatric age group, especially children aged 0 to 4 years and adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, is at high risk for TBI, with the main causes being falls, traffic accidents, and, to a lesser extent, abuse and sports. Among the severity classifications, mild TBI is the most prevalent, accounting for approximately 80% to 90% of cases in the general and pediatric populations. Despite its clinical classification as mild, this condition can result in structural and functional changes in the brain and significant consequences for behavior and mental health, especially during the critical period of neurodevelopment. This narrative review aimed to analyze the impacts of mild TBI on the development of anxiety and depression symptoms in children and adolescents. Studies published between 2015 and 2025, retrieved from PubMed, LILACS, BVS, and Scopus, were included. The findings revealed the recurrent presence of internalizing symptoms (depression and anxiety), despite heterogeneity in the methods and instruments used. Factors such as age, sex, genetic predisposition, and family background were identified as risk modulators. The results reinforce the need for systematic psychological assessment and longitudinal follow-up protocols for children with a history of mild TBI to prevent emotional and psychiatric impairments.