Persistent extreme regressive behavior in severe traumatic brain injury patients: a rare neurological phenomenon

Regressive behavior is a known sequela after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, prolonged "infantile-like" behavior has received little attention in the literature, suggesting that this is a rare phenomenon. It is typically characterized by long-lasting childish, extremely dependent, and sometimes aggressive behavior, which is distinguished from the expected recovery process. The relevant theoretical framework lies in the field of disorders called "Neuropathologies of the self" (NPS). We report three cases of young adults who, following a severe TBI, developed continual regressive behavior. The Disability Rating Scale (DRS) was used to assess possible change in their condition. First, while admitted, which was performed in retrospect, and again 6 years later at the time stated. Inter-rater reliability for the scale items showed adequate correlation. Results showed no significant difference in patients' scores, indicating persistent functional difficulties. We conclude that this "regressive syndrome" presents an unusual form of behavior that is stable over time. It seems to be in line with other NPS disorders, and may stem from an interaction of organic factors and primary mental complexity. Nevertheless, further research is required to examine the factors affecting the emergence and recovery from this phenomenon.