Brain injury : [BI]
-
Brain injury : [BI] · Jan 1995
ReviewPsychosocial and emotional sequelae of individuals with traumatic brain injury: a literature review and recommendations.
The psychosocial problems of decreased social contact, depression, and loneliness that occur for many with traumatic brain injury (TBI) create a major challenge for enhancing efforts at community re-entry. Despite dramatic physical progress within the first six months after injury, these psychosocial problems remain a persistent long-term problem for the majority of individuals with severe TBI. Researchers have consistently suggested that the psychosocial problems associated with TBI may actually be the major challenge facing rehabilitation. ⋯ The treating physiatrist cannot be expected to provide the insight and frequency of psychological services that may be necessary for many of these patients. (2) Since the literature seems to suggest that the presence of one psychosocial deficit, e.g., anxiety, will often be followed by other similar types of problems, e.g. depression, the treatment team needs to be sensitive to how rapidly these problems can cascade into a very dangerous situation. (3) Perhaps the most compelling recommendation we can make is for community rehabilitation specialists to focus significantly more energies and resources upon the psychological health of clients with TBI. Staff need to be trained to detect these signals that clients with TBI are often sending. It is apparent that psychosocial factors contribute to a rising obstacle level to community adjustment.