Psychosocial outcome following severe closed head injury

A comprehensive study of outcomes following severe head injury must clearly include an indicator of psychosocial outcome. Several studies have identified the chronic social isolation which is commonly experienced among this group of people. The present study sought to explore the availability and adequacy of social support following traumatic injury and the relationship between this and emotional distress. In an attempt to identify those sequelae which may be specific to brain trauma, the study compared a group of men with severe head injuries, and their partners, with a group of men with spinal cord injuries, and their partners (n = 60). Time since discharge ranged from 4 months to several years. All four groups reported low availability and adequacy of social integration and exhibited high levels of depression, with no relationship between depression and the length of time since discharge. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups, indicating that the social isolation which has previously been identified amongst people with head injuries may not be attributable solely to brain damage. It would also appear that the repercussions of a traumatic injury extend long after discharge from hospital and this may demonstrate a need to re-examine the provision of service to these client groups.