The emotional and behavioural consequences of traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Recent published articles on emotional and behavioural consequences of trau matic brain injury (TBI) are reviewed. Database searches (Medline, Embase Psychiatry, CINAHL) for key terms (head injury, brain injury, adjustment, adapta tion, psychological, social, emotion, mood disorder) are used to identify relevant articles. The range of clinical problems reviewed include depression and anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms, apathy and anger. Comment is made on adjust ment to the effects of brain injury, including family adjustment and changes in presentation over the time course of recovery. Conclusions are drawn recognizing the importance of treatment for the psychological effects of TBI.