Traumatic brain injury (TBI) 10-20 years later: a comprehensive outcome study of psychiatric symptomatology, cognitive abilities and psychosocial functioning

Citation
D. Hoofien et al., Traumatic brain injury (TBI) 10-20 years later: a comprehensive outcome study of psychiatric symptomatology, cognitive abilities and psychosocial functioning, BRAIN INJUR, 15(3), 2001, pp. 189-209
Citations number
52
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Neurology
Journal title
BRAIN INJURY
ISSN journal
0269-9052 → ACNP
Volume
15
Issue
3
Year of publication
2001
Pages
189 - 209
Database
ISI
SICI code
0269-9052(200103)15:3<189:TBI(1Y>2.0.ZU;2-2
Abstract
The goal of this study was to measure the very long- term mental and psycho social outcomes of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Seventy- six person s with severe TBI were evaluated extensively by means of standardized scale s, neuropsychological tests and evaluations by family members, at an averag e of 14.1 (SD = 5.5) years post- injury. Six mental and functional domains were examined: psychiatric symptomatology, cognitive abilities, vocational status, family integration, social functioning, and independence in daily r outines. The findings indicate a long- term differential effect of severe T BI, with seriously affected psychiatric symptomatology, family and social d omains, as compared to moderately influenced cognitive, vocational and inde pendent functioning. Relatively high rates of depression, psychomotor slown ess, loneliness and family members' sense of burden were found. In addition to their epidemiological importance, the results indicate that persons wit h TBI and their families may need professional assistance to maintain a rea sonable psychosocial quality of life, even more than a decade post- injury.