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Mulligan T, Barker-Collo S, Gibson K, Jones K. You only get one brain: adult reflections on coping and recovery after traumatic brain injury in adolescence. Brain Inj 2023; 37:1221-1230. [PMID: 37545139 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2023.2243824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TBI during adolescence can result in significant acute symptoms that can persist into adulthood. This research analyzed retrospective qualitative accounts of young adults who had sustained a TBI in adolescence to explore coping and recovery processes specific to this developmental stage. METHODS Thirteen adults (aged 20-25 years; mean 23 years) who sustained a mild (n = 12) or moderate (n = 1) TBI during adolescence (aged 13-17 years at injury), approximately 7.7 years (range = 6.7-8.0 years) prior, participated. Semi-structured individual interviews, analyzed using thematic analysis, explored participants' experiences following their TBIs. RESULTS Thematic data analysis produced two key categories of themes relating to recovery processes: (1) Individual factors impacting coping, with themes of learning to cope with difficulties, seeking acceptance and balance, and finding meaning; and (2) Social factors impacting coping, which included themes of feeling included, relying on family, professionals didn't get it, and lacking someone who understands. CONCLUSIONS Recovery following TBI sustained during adolescence could be maximized by facilitating greater understanding of specific impacts on young people among clinicians and family, longer term monitoring of symptoms including emotional reactions to symptoms, and the provision of emotional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Mulligan
- Clinical Training Programme, School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Suzanne Barker-Collo
- Clinical Training Programme, School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kerry Gibson
- Clinical Training Programme, School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kelly Jones
- National Institute of Stroke and Applied Neurosciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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2
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Unruh D, Gomez D, Slocumb J, McCart M, Davies S, Haarbauer-Krupa J, Glang A. Stakeholder Perspectives on the School Experiences of Students With Traumatic Brain Injury: The Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Service Delivery. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2023; 93:378-385. [PMID: 36394169 PMCID: PMC10507668 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For students with traumatic brain injury (TBI), the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges they were already experiencing at school. METHODS This qualitative study employed focus groups and interviews with students, parents, school, and medical personnel to explore the school experiences of students with TBI. Thematic qualitative analyses were used. RESULTS Key themes from the analysis include (a) incidence of brain injuries decreased; (b) screen time for students with TBI exacerbated symptoms; (c) COVID protocols at school made it difficult for educators to identify and provide accommodations for students with TBI; (d) COVID protocols at school could inadvertently exacerbate mental health difficulties after a TBI; and (e) COVID-related logistics increased the time between an injury and return to school or return to play. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY The results from this study suggest that professional development for teachers supporting students with TBI is needed, especially for online learning environments. Additionally, because mental/behavioral health concerns may arise for students with TBI in online learning environments, school health care providers can work with families to assess a student's mental health, making referrals to appropriate supports. CONCLUSIONS There is a significant need for professional development and school-wide infrastructure supportive of students with TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanne Unruh
- Secondary Special Education & Transition, Special Education & Clinical Services Department, University of Oregon, 212 Clinical Services Building, 5260 University of ORegon, Eugene, OR, 97403
| | - Doug Gomez
- Center on Brain Injury Research & Training, Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Rainier Building, Suite 220, Eugene, OR, 97403
| | - Jody Slocumb
- Center on Brain Injury Research & Training, Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Rainier Building, Suite 220, Eugene, OR, 97403
| | - Melissa McCart
- Center on Brain Injury Research & Training, Department of Psychology, Research Assistant Professor, University of Oregon, Rainier Building, Suite 220, Eugene, OR, 97403
| | - Susan Davies
- Health & Wellness, Department of Counselor Education & Human Services, University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH, 45469
| | - Juliet Haarbauer-Krupa
- Traumatic Brain Injury Team, Applied Sciences Branch, Division of Injury Prevention, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE\MS S106-9, Atlanta, GA, 30341
| | - Ann Glang
- Center on Brain Injury Research & Training, Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Rainier Building, Suite 220, Eugene, OR, 97403
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Perkins A, Gracey F, Kelly G, Jim J. A new model to guide identity-focused multidisciplinary rehabilitation for children and young people following acquired brain injury: I-FoRM. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2022; 32:1928-1969. [PMID: 35895321 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2022.2100794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
A complexity of biological, psychological, environmental and systemic factors influences a child's adaption after acquired brain injury (ABI), all of which transform as the child matures. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams are challenged by balancing family system needs and the child's needs, whilst promoting the child's functional skills in difficult or unappealing tasks. This paper presents the conceptual basis for a model for use in childhood ABI neurorehabilitation to address these challenges. A non-systematic narrative review of literature pertinent to integrated neurorehabilitation of pediatric ABI was conducted. Contemporary models of adult and pediatric psychosocial adaptation involving identity following ABI were reviewed. Key findings were then synthesized with models of pediatric resilience and self-concept development. The resulting model describes a cyclical adaptation process whereby the child learns experientially about their self and their world after ABI. Processes of identity development play a central role - particularly emotive processes of self-evaluation - by influencing the child's motivation for participation, tolerance for challenge, self-regulation and emerging self-awareness. The model directs clinicians to use the psychosocial processes of identity development to enhance the child's willingness and capacity to engage in the daily challenges of rehabilitation. Further systematic development and evaluation of the model is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fergus Gracey
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,Cambridge Centre for Paediatric Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Jenny Jim
- The Children's Trust, Tadworth, UK.,Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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4
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Mulligan T, Barker-Collo S, Gibson K, Jones K. You only get one brain. Adult reflections on acute and ongoing symptom experiences after traumatic brain injury in adolescence. Brain Inj 2021; 35:1308-1315. [PMID: 34487437 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2021.1972336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This research adds to the scarce literature regarding adolescent experiences of traumatic brain injury (TBI). It uses a qualitative methodology to explore the symptoms experienced after sustaining a TBI at this unique stage of development including their persistence into adulthood. METHODS Thirteen adults (aged 20-25 years; mean 23 years) who sustained a mild-moderate TBI during adolescence (aged 13-17 years at injury), approximately 7.7 years (range = 6.7-8.0 years) prior, participated in the research. Semi-structured individual interviews, analyzed using thematic analysis, explored participants' experiences surrounding and following their TBIs. RESULTS TBI during adolescence can result in significant acute symptoms, particularly headaches, fatigue, and difficulties in thinking. Participants' descriptions of the extent and impact of these symptoms reflected feelings of frustration and often anxiety and/or depression. Difficulties could persist for years post-TBI and sometimes had not resolved at all. CONCLUSIONS Even mild TBI during adolescence can result in significant acute and ongoing symptoms, which can contribute to emotional distress in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Mulligan
- School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Kerry Gibson
- School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kelly Jones
- National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurorehabilitation, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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5
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B Juengst S, Kajankova M, Wright B, Terhorst L. Factor analysis of the adolescent version of the behavioural assessment screening tool (BAST-A) in adolescents with concussion. Brain Inj 2020; 35:130-137. [PMID: 33372810 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2020.1857838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Develop and validate the Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool for Adolescents with brain injury.Setting: Concussion clinicsParticipants: Adolescents with mild traumatic brain injury 3 months after initial concussion clinic visit (n = 138).Design: Assessment development and validation (cross-sectional cohort) studyMain Measures: Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool - AdolescentResults: Expert panel members added or modified items specific to adolescents to the original Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool for adults. The Content Validity Index was 97.2%. Exploratory factor analysis of the Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool - Adolescent reduced the initial 70 items to 46 primary items with a 3-factor solution: Negative Affect & Fatigue, Executive & Social Function, and Risk Behaviors. Internal consistency reliabilities ranged from good to excellent for all factors (Cronbach's α =.80-.95). We retained four secondary maladaptive coping items (from an initial six), though these require further modification and testing (Cronbach's α =.67).Conclusion: The Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool for Adolescents, a measure of neurobehavioral symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury in adolescents, has a multidimensional factor structure with evidence of good internal consistency reliabilities. Future work will further evaluate its convergent and discriminant validity and employ item response theory analyses for validation in a new sample of adolescents with concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon B Juengst
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Maria Kajankova
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brittany Wright
- Department of Applied Clinical Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Lauren Terhorst
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Attending Follow-up Appointments After Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Caregiver-Perceived Barriers and Facilitators. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2020; 34:E21-E34. [PMID: 30169437 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine barriers and facilitators for follow-up care of children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). SETTING Urban children's hospital. PARTICIPANTS Caregivers of children (aged 2-18 years) discharged from an inpatient unit with a TBI diagnosis in 2014-2015. DESIGN Survey of caregivers. MAIN MEASURES Caregiver-reported barriers and facilitators to follow-up appointment attendance. RESULTS The sample included 159 caregivers who completed the survey. The top 3 barriers were "no need" (38.5%), "schedule conflicts" (14.1%), and "lack of resources" (10.3%). The top 5 identified facilitators were "good hospital experience" (68.6%), "need" (37.8%), "sufficient resources" (35.8%), "well-coordinated appointments" (31.1%), and "provision of counseling and support" (27.6%). Caregivers with higher income were more likely to report "no need" as a barrier; females were less likely to do so. Nonwhite caregivers and those without private insurance were more likely to report "lack of resources" as a barrier. Females were more likely to report "good hospital experience" and "provision of counseling and support" as a facilitator. Nonwhite caregivers were more likely to report "need" but less likely to report "sufficient resources" as facilitators. CONCLUSIONS Care coordination, assistance with resources, and improvements in communication and the hospital experience are ways that adherence might be enhanced.
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Langan TJ, Barczykowski A, Jalal K, Sherwood L, Allewelt H, Kurtzberg J, Carter RL. Survey of quality of life, phenotypic expression, and response to treatment in Krabbe leukodystrophy. JIMD Rep 2019; 47:47-54. [PMID: 31240167 PMCID: PMC6498827 DOI: 10.1002/jmd2.12033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop a quality of life (QOL) survey for Krabbe disease (KD), and to thereby improve understanding of its phenotypic expression and response to treatment. METHODS The survey, the Leukodystrophy Quality of Life Assessment (LQLA) and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales were co-administered to 33 patients or their caretakers. These included the phenotypes of early infantile KD (EIKD; 0-6 months old at onset), late infantile cases (LIKD; 7-12 months old at onset), and cases that emerged after 12 months old, late onset (LOKD). The sample included cases with and without stem cell transplantation (SCT). Reliability and concurrent validity were assessed for overall and subscale scores. Analysis of variance tested differences in QOL between phenotypes and transplant groups (none, pre-, post-symptom). RESULTS Good concurrent validity with the Vineland was shown for total, communication, daily activity, social, and motor scales and good reliability was observed. LOKD cases had better communication skills than either EIKD or LIKD and better overall QOL than EIKD. Analyses of individual items showed that communication items, mostly, contributed significantly to phenotype differences. Presymptomatic SCT significantly improved QOL compared to postsymptomatic SCT or no treatment. Presymptomatically treated patients had near-normal total scores. CONCLUSIONS The LQLA is valid and reliable. Despite small sample size, phenotypic demarcation was determined to be due mainly to differences in communication skills. There was a relative enhancement of QOL in LOKD patients, and in those who had presymptomatic SCT. These results apply to the current controversy about recommendations for newborn screening for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Langan
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Biomedical SciencesUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew York
| | - Amy Barczykowski
- Department of Biostatistics, Population Health Observatory, School of Public Health and Health ProfessionsUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew York
| | - Kabir Jalal
- Department of Biostatistics, Population Health Observatory, School of Public Health and Health ProfessionsUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew York
| | - Laura Sherwood
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Biomedical SciencesUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew York
| | - Heather Allewelt
- Department of PediatricsDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth Carolina
| | - Joanne Kurtzberg
- Department of PediatricsDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth Carolina
| | - Randy L. Carter
- Department of Biostatistics, Population Health Observatory, School of Public Health and Health ProfessionsUniversity at BuffaloBuffaloNew York
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8
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Russell K, Selci E, Black B, Ellis MJ. Health-related quality of life following adolescent sports-related concussion or fracture: a prospective cohort study. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2019; 23:455-464. [PMID: 30660131 DOI: 10.3171/2018.8.peds18356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The longitudinal effects of sports-related concussion (SRC) in adolescents on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) remain poorly understood. Hence, the authors established two objectives of this study: 1) compare HRQOL outcomes among adolescents with an acute SRC or a sports-related extremity fracture (SREF) who were followed up until physician-documented clinical recovery; and 2) identify the clinical variables associated with worse HRQOL among adolescent SRC patients. METHODS The authors conducted a prospective cohort study of adolescents with acute SRC and those with acute SREF who underwent clinical assessment and follow-up at tertiary subspecialty clinics. Longitudinal patient-reported HRQOL was measured at the time of initial assessment and at each follow-up appointment by using the adolescent version (age 13-18 years) of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Generic Core Scale and Cognitive Functioning Scale. RESULTS A total of 135 patients with SRC (60.0% male; mean age 14.7 years; time from injury to initial assessment 6 days) and 96 patients with SREF (59.4% male; mean age 14.1 years; time from injury to initial assessment 8 days) participated in the study. At the initial assessment, the SRC patients demonstrated significantly worse cognitive HRQOL and clinically meaningful impairments in school and overall HRQOL compared to the SREF patients. Clinical variables associated with a worse HRQOL among SRC patients differed by domain but were significantly affected by the patients' initial symptom burden and the development of delayed physician-documented clinical recovery (> 28 days postinjury). No persistent impairments in HRQOL were observed among SRC patients who were followed up until physician-documented clinical recovery. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent SRC is associated with temporary impairments in HRQOL that have been shown to resolve in patients who are followed up until physician-documented clinical recovery. Future studies are needed to identify the clinicopathological features that are associated with impaired HRQOL and to assess whether the initiation of multidisciplinary, targeted rehabilitation strategies would lead to an improvement in HRQOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Russell
- 1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, and
- 5Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba
- 6Canada North Concussion Network; and
| | - Erin Selci
- 1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, and
- 5Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba
| | - Brian Black
- 2Department of Surgery
- 4Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Manitoba
- 7Pan Am Concussion Program, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael J Ellis
- 1Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, and
- 2Department of Surgery
- Sections of3Neurosurgery and
- 5Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba
- 6Canada North Concussion Network; and
- 7Pan Am Concussion Program, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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9
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Valovich McLeod TC, Wagner AJ, Bacon CEW. Lived Experiences of Adolescent Athletes Following Sport-Related Concussion. Orthop J Sports Med 2017; 5:2325967117745033. [PMID: 29276716 PMCID: PMC5734492 DOI: 10.1177/2325967117745033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have identified the effect of sport-related concussion on health-related quality of life through the use of patient-reported outcome measures. However, there has been little research exploring the underlying mechanisms that influence these perceptions of health-related quality of life among adolescent athletes who have sustained a sport-related concussion. Purpose: To explore the psychosocial aspects of concussion among adolescent athletes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 12 interscholastic athletes (4 girls, 8 boys; mean ± SD age, 15.7 ± 1.7 years; grade level, 10.2 ± 1.4) were interviewed via a semistructured interview protocol between 15 and 30 days postinjury. Data analysis was guided by the consensual qualitative research tradition. Themes and categories emerged through consensus by a 3-person research team, and bias was minimized through the use of multiple-analyst triangulation. Results: Participants identified numerous postconcussion symptoms that resulted in increasing difficulty with emotions (eg, irritable, easily frustrated), roles at school (eg, concentration difficulties, fatigue), and roles in their social environment (eg, letting the team down, not being able to contribute to sport). As a result, participants expressed how they tried to minimize or mask symptoms to decrease the potential of being viewed differently by their peers. Conclusion: Adolescent athletes perceived a significant effect of sport-related concussion on numerous areas of psychosocial and emotional health and well-being. Anticipatory guidance—with education regarding the possible signs and symptoms, risk factors, and recovery expectations following a concussion—is important to include in postinjury management. A better understanding of sport-related concussion and expected recovery could help to improve perceptions of this injury among interscholastic athletes. Additionally, best practices should be identified to assist health care professionals and school personnel in the development of temporary adjustments or formal academic adjustment policies in the secondary school setting, therefore ensuring that the patients receive the support that they need to maintain their roles as students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara C Valovich McLeod
- Post-professional Athletic Training Program, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA.,School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA
| | - Alyssa J Wagner
- Post-professional Athletic Training Program, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA
| | - Cailee E Welch Bacon
- Post-professional Athletic Training Program, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA.,School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona, A.T. Still University, Mesa, Arizona, USA
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Takada K, Sashika H, Wakabayashi H, Hirayasu Y. Social participation and quality-of-life of patients with traumatic brain injury living in the community: A mixed methods study. Brain Inj 2016; 30:1590-1598. [DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2016.1199901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kaoruko Takada
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
- Department of Psychiatry, Yokohama City University, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | | | - Yoshio Hirayasu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yokohama City University, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, Japan
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11
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Life after Adolescent and Adult Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Self-Reported Executive, Emotional, and Behavioural Function 2-5 Years after Injury. Behav Neurol 2015; 2015:329241. [PMID: 26549936 PMCID: PMC4621342 DOI: 10.1155/2015/329241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Survivors of moderate-severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are at risk for long-term cognitive, emotional, and behavioural problems. This prospective cohort study investigated self-reported executive, emotional, and behavioural problems in the late chronic phase of moderate and severe TBI, if demographic characteristics (i.e., age, years of education), injury characteristics (Glasgow Coma Scale score, MRI findings such as traumatic axonal injury (TAI), or duration of posttraumatic amnesia), symptoms of depression, or neuropsychological variables in the first year after injury predicted long-term self-reported function. Self-reported executive, emotional, and behavioural functioning were assessed among individuals with moderate and severe TBI (N = 67, age range 15–65 years at time of injury) 2–5 years after TBI, compared to a healthy matched control group (N = 72). Results revealed significantly more attentional, emotional regulation, and psychological difficulties in the TBI group than controls. Demographic and early clinical variables were associated with poorer cognitive and emotional outcome. Fewer years of education and depressive symptoms predicted greater executive dysfunction. Younger age at injury predicted more aggressive and rule-breaking behaviour. TAI and depressive symptoms predicted Internalizing problems and greater executive dysfunction. In conclusion, age, education, TAI, and depression appear to elevate risk for poor long-term outcome, emphasising the need for long-term follow-up of patients presenting with risk factors.
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