Psychosocial functioning during the year following severe traumatic brain injury

The psychosocial functioning of a group of 65 adults with severe traumatic brain injury was assessed at 6 months and 1 year post-injury. Aspects of emotional, behavioural, and social functioning were investigated. The prevalence of depression remained constant (24%) over time, although there was some individual variation in the reporting of symptoms. Impatience was the most frequently reported behavioural problem at both assessments. Whilst there was a slight increase in the number of behavioural problems and level of distress reported over time, the most obvious change was in the type of behavioural problems that caused distress. At 1 year post-injury, problems with emotional control were found to be most distressing for the patients. A comparison with pre-morbid social functioning showed the loss of employment to be 70%, 30% returned to live with their parents, and relationship breakdown occurred for 38%. There was also a significant and ongoing decrease in all five aspects of social and leisure activities.