Awareness of deficits: emotional implications for persons with brain injury and their significant others

The relationship between emotional distress and differing perceptions of the extent of deficits was investigated with fifty individuals with brain injury and their significant others. Participants completed questionnaires assessing their perceptions of the individual's deficits in various areas (Patient Competency Rating Scale, PCRS). Difference scores were used as markers for awareness of deficits. Emotional distress of the individuals with brain injury and their significant others was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Forty per cent of persons with brain injury and 34% of significant others reported symptoms suggestive of mild or greater depression, while 54% of persons with brain injury and 39% of significant others reported symptoms suggestive of experiencing mild or greater anxiety. Significant relationships were not found between the emotional distress of significant others and difference scores. Moderate-to-weak relationships were found between difference scores and the emotional distress of individuals with brain injury. The relationship between chronicity and awareness of deficits was in the opposite direction than predicted. The adjustment of significant others appears to be a function of the extent to which they perceive a resolution of deficits, time since injury, and other factors. Implications for rehabilitation and future research are discussed.