The development of a measure of social cognition following acquired brain injury

Deficits in social cognition following acquired brain injury (ABI) have been found to be both prevalent and disabling. Despite this, relatively little attention has been given to identifying the characteristics of such deficits in a systematic way. We describe the development of self and informant versions of a new questionnaire designed to measure the changes in social cognition that may occur following ABI, the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust (BIRT) Social Cognition Questionnaire (BSCQ). Seventy-two participants (Mean age =?36 years, SD?=?12), with different forms of ABI (76% traumatic brain injury, 8% cerebrovascular accident, 15% other) and who were on average 20 months post-injury (SD?=?16), took part in the study. The measure demonstrates excellent psychometric properties, including high test-retest (.94) and split-half (.92) reliability, high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha?=?.92), and good concurrent validity. The questionnaire measures characteristics that are distinguishable from measures of cognitive ability. There was moderate overlap between self-report and informant versions of the questionnaire (r?=?.50), but the informant version had the strongest predictive value of outcome, measured with the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory III, one year later. The potential uses of the measure in relation to theory and practice are discussed. The results suggest that the BSCQ is a useful screening tool for those with ABI.     

Awareness typologies, long-term emotional adjustment and psychosocial outcomes following acquired brain injury

Previous research suggests considerable heterogeneity within groups of individuals identified as having low self-awareness or good self-awareness following acquired brain injury (ABI). The present study aimed to identify typologies of individuals according to neuropsychological and psychological factors related to awareness deficits and compare emotional adjustment and psychosocial outcomes at the initial assessment and 12-month follow-up. Eighty-four participants with ABI (mean time since injury = 3.9 years) were assessed on the Self-Awareness of Deficits Interview, Awareness Questionnaire, Symptom Expectancy Checklist, Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Sydney Psychosocial Reintegration Scale, and an error self-regulation index. A 12-month follow-up assessment of emotional adjustment and psychosocial outcomes was conducted. A hierarchical cluster analysis distinguished four awareness typologies, namely, "poor self-awareness" (n = 12), "high defensiveness" (n = 13), "high symptom reporting" (n = 15), and "good self-awareness" (n = 44). An overall comparison of outcomes indicated that the poor self-awareness and high symptom reporting typologies experienced poorer outcomes than the high defensiveness and good self-awareness typologies. The findings confirm that there are different awareness typologies and highlight the need to tailor interventions according to the nature of awareness deficits.     

Cognitive and emotional consequences of TBI: intervention strategies for vocational rehabilitation

The effects of a traumatic brain injury on vocational outcome can be predicted on the basis of several factors. Environmental factors such as a supportive work environment, and person specific factors, including the client's age, premorbid occupation, injury variables, level of awareness, psychosocial adjustment, coping skills, and cognitive deficits have all been found to predict return to work following a traumatic brain injury. Some of these factors are amenable to treatment, and clinicians can impact clients' likelihood of returning to work by intervening in various ways. Through case studies and a literature review on the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation interventions, we have outlined specific strategies and recommendations for interventions. Cognitive rehabilitation strategies that address attention, memory and executive deficits can improve clients' abilities to manage workplace tasks and demands. Many clients continue to experience problems with social and emotional adjustment following a brain injury that impact return to work. Cognitive behavioural therapy is well suited for improving coping skills, helping clients to manage cognitive difficulties, and addressing more generalized anxiety and depression in the context of a brain injury.     

Social dysdecorum following severe traumatic brain injury: loss of implicit social knowledge or loss of control?

The purpose of the present study was to investigate two theoretical frameworks for understanding acquired deficits in social behavior in individuals with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Recent research has found that brain injury can lead to impairments in implicit processes including social cognition. Impairments in implicit social cognition have been recently advanced as an explanation for acquired social deficits, as implicit social cognition is hypothesized to mediate the processing and understanding of often subtle, nonverbal cues in social interactions. In contrast, the executive dysfunction account posits that deficits in higher order cognitive functions, such as attention, planning ability, and mental flexibility, are the locus for acquired deficits in social cognition and behavior. To test these two theories, 22 participants with severe TBI and 25 matched controls were administered a measure of implicit social cognition (Implicit Association Test, IAT), as well as two measure of explicit social attitudes and a range of executive functioning measures. The TBI participants were found to perform normally on the IAT and explicit measures of gender stereotyping but demonstrated executive deficits. Performance on the IAT and executive functions were correlated. Performance in general did not fit well with the implicit social cognition explanation for social dysdecorum following TBI. More evidence was found to support the executive account.     

Prevalence and correlates of face recognition impairments after acquired brain injury

Impairments of face recognition after acquired brain injury (ABI) are not restricted to prosopagnosia but commonly arise in association with other cognitive deficits and can be psychosocially debilitating. Despite this, the prevalence and cognitive concomitants of such impairments after ABI have not been systematically investigated. We tested 91 adults with ABI on a range of cognitive measures including several indices of face recognition and learning. The proportion of patients who show impaired performance varied across face learning/recognition tests between 21% and 80%. Principal components analyses indicated orthogonality between impairments of "directed facial processing", associated with memory and visuoperceptual deficits and manifest in slow learning and matching of previously unfamiliar faces, and of "face identification", associated with deficits on verbal tests and manifest in difficulty in naming famous faces. Theoretical and rehabilitative implications are considered.     

"Am not was": cognitive-behavioural therapy for adjustment and identity change following herpes simplex encephalitis

The cognitive sequelae of encephalitis are well documented, and it is increasingly recognised that disorders of mood and anxiety can accompany these sequelae. Loss of identity is emerging as a key theme in psychotherapeutic interventions in adjustment following acquired brain injury (ABI). Cognitive-behavioural therapy can be applied to construct a new model of the self in the context of behavioural, cognitive and social sequelae of the ABI, with consideration of pre-illness identity. Behavioural experiments, in particular, may be an effective means of redefining the meaning of current situations to create a positive sense of self. In the current paper we describe the therapeutic intervention to address anxiety and changes in identity in a woman recovering from herpes simplex viral encephalitis. The intervention highlights the need to take into account the interplay between cognitive changes, such as memory and executive function, with emotion in adjustment following herpes simplex viral encephalitis.     

Prevalence and correlates of face recognition impairments after acquired brain injury

Impairments of face recognition after acquired brain injury (ABI) are not restricted to prosopagnosia but commonly arise in association with other cognitive deficits and can be psychosocially debilitating. Despite this, the prevalence and cognitive concomitants of such impairments after ABI have not been systematically investigated. We tested 91 adults with ABI on a range of cognitive measures including several indices of face recognition and learning. The proportion of patients who show impaired performance varied across face learning/recognition tests between 21% and 80%. Principal components analyses indicated orthogonality between impairments of “directed facial processing”, associated with memory and visuoperceptual deficits and manifest in slow learning and matching of previously unfamiliar faces, and of “face identification”, associated with deficits on verbal tests and manifest in difficulty in naming famous faces. Theoretical and rehabilitative implications are considered.     

Mentalising and social problem-solving after brain injury

This study examined the performance of adults with an acquired brain injury (ABI) on social cognition tasks assessing mentalistic interpretation and social problem-solving. These tasks were based on an earlier version described by Channon and Crawford (1999). Twenty participants with an ABI (10 resulting from a traumatic brain injury, 10 from a cerebrovascular accident), were found to be impaired relative to 20 matched control participants in interpreting scenarios involving either actions or sarcastic remarks on the Mentalistic Interpretation Task. When problem-solving ability was examined, the participants with an ABI were poorer at solving social problems on the Social Problem Resolution Task, and generated fewer responses on the Social Problem Fluency Task. They also had greater difficulty in detecting the awkward elements of the social situations, and in selecting appropriate solutions from a range of alternatives. These tasks provide a potential clinical tool for pinpointing an individual's strengths and weaknesses in everyday social communication and problem-solving, which can serve as the basis for designing individualised rehabilitation programmes.     

Neuropsychological impairments and changes in emotional and social behaviour following severe traumatic brain injury

Changes in emotional and social behaviour are relatively common following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite the serious consequences of these changes, little is known about the underlying neuropsychological deficits. In this study, we investigated which deficits might underlie these behavioural changes. The emotional and social behaviour of 17 patients with severe TBI was assessed with questionnaires, completed by the patient and a relative. Neuropsychological tests assessed recognition of emotional expressions, understanding of other people's mental states and cognitive fluency. Ratings from patients and relatives revealed changes in emotional and social behaviour after injury. Compared to matched healthy controls, the patients were impaired at recognising facial and vocal expressions of emotions, detecting social faux pas and nonverbal fluency. None of these impairments was significantly associated with the relatives' ratings of behavioural problems following TBI, although the correlation with detecting social faux pas was relatively high (r=-.61).     

Self-awareness after acquired brain injury

Abstract Objective To investigate the factors contributing to deficit in self-awareness following acquired brain injury and to study change in self-awareness during a group support program. Methods Sixty-two patients (mean age: 35.4±15.3 years) attending our Service (295±525 days after injury) were included in the study (41 of them had sustained a head injury). Thirty-six patients were admitted to a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program including a group support program designed to improve self-awareness deficits. All patients were assessed with the Patient Competency Rating Scale as a measure of self-awareness and with a broad range of neuropsychological tests, checklists of psychopathological symptoms, and several functional scales. Results Thirty patients showed high levels of self-awareness while 32 showed impaired self-awareness. Patients with appropriate perception of their deficits showed less psychopathological symptoms, better neuropsychological function and higher functional independence than those with impaired SA (Students t test, p<0.05). Both groups improved, but with different patterns, after rehabilitation (MANOVA, p<0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that cognitive status was predictive of level of self-awareness. Conclusion The level of self-awareness after acquired brain injury is a useful prognostic index of the neuropsychological, psychopathological and functional status of the patient. We recommend the evaluation of this symptom after acquired brain injury due to its clinical relevance.     

Neuropharmacological modulation of cognitive deficits after brain damage

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review discusses recent studies that have implications for potential neuropharmacological interventions which target cognitive deficits resulting from traumatic brain injury or stroke. RECENT FINDINGS: An important new study concerning the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors after brain injury reveals that previous influential hypotheses about an increase in glutamate triggering neuronal death may need to be revised. Furthermore, the study suggests that cognitive function may be best preserved by stimulation of NMDA receptors with agonists rather than by the use of antagonists, as previously believed. Investigations of animal models of stroke and traumatic brain injury have further demonstrated the possibility of intervening in the acute and sub-acute stages to protect specific brain systems, such as preservation of the cholinergic system (via cholinesterase inhibitors) and hippocampal neurons (via a D2 agonist). Clinical trials in humans indicate it is also possible to target these neurotransmitter systems to enhance cognitive performance in patients with chronic deficits. In particular, recent studies demonstrated that it is possible to ameliorate the effects of two common cognitive syndromes, visual neglect and aphasia. SUMMARY: Cognitive deficits are an extremely common consequence of either traumatic brain injury or stroke. Recent studies demonstrate the potential for using neuropharmacological intervention after acquired brain injury to prevent or ameliorate the effects of cognitive impairments. These treatments, however, are still in their preliminary stages and further research is required to identify the most effective compounds.     

Cognitive rehabilitation after severe acquired brain injury: current evidence and future directions

Severe acquired brain injury (SABI) is damage to the brain, occurring after birth from traumatic or non-traumatic causes, and often resulting in deterioration of physical, cognitive, and emotional functions. Cognitive rehabilitation (CR) is aimed to help brain-injured or otherwise cognitively impaired individuals to restore normal functioning, or to compensate for cognitive deficits. Over the last years, the development of new technologies in the field of CR has led to a growing use of computer-based cognitive tools in patients with SABI. This review aims to investigate the efficacy of CR in individuals suffering from SABI, and evaluates the role of virtual reality and other innovative technologies in improving behavioural and functional outcomes. The current evidence for CR in the treatment of SABI-related deficits does not allow conclusive results to be achieved and further research is needed to identity the patient and treatment factors that contribute to successful outcomes.     

A biopsychosocial deconstruction of "personality change" following acquired brain injury

The judgement of personality change following acquired brain injury (ABI) is a powerful subjective and social action, and has been shown to be associated with a range of serious psychosocial consequences. Traditional conceptualisations of personality change (e.g., Lishman, 1998) have largely derived from individualist concepts of personality (e.g., Eysenck, 1967). These assume a direct link between neurological damage and altered personhood, accounting predominantly for their judgements of change. This assumption is found as commonly in family accounts of change as in professional discourse. Recent studies and perspectives from the overlapping fields of social neuroscience, cognitive approaches to self and identity and psychosocial processes following ABI mount a serious challenge to this assumption. These collectively identify a range of direct and indirect factors that may influence the judgement or felt sense of change in personhood by survivors of ABI and their significant others. These perspectives are reviewed within a biopsychosocial framework: neurological and neuropsychological deficits, psychological mechanisms and psychosocial processes. Importantly, these perspectives are applied to generate a range of clinical interventions that were not identifiable within traditional conceptualisations of personality changes following ABI.     

Self-awareness and psychosocial functioning following acquired brain injury: An evaluation of a group support programme

This study investigated a group support programme designed to improve selfawareness deficits and psychosocial functioning in a group of chronic patients (N = 21) with acquired brain injury (ABI). The participants were on average 8.6 years (range: 1-36 years) post-injury and were seen at the Brain Injury Association of Queensland, Australia. The assessment of participants involved two standardised measures of intellectual self-awareness with collateral reports from relatives. The present study introduced a new measure called the Self-Regulation Skills Interview (SRSI) which assessed higher levels of self awareness and self-regulation skills. Psychosocial functioning was assessed using a standardised self-report measure. At baseline the group had a relatively high level of intellectual self-awareness regarding their deficits, a low to moderate level of self-regulation skills, and significant psychosocial impairment. The participants were involved in a 16-week group programme which involved components of cognitive rehabilitation, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and social skills training. A post-intervention assessment indicated that participants had significantly improved levels of self-regulation skills and psychosocial functioning. A 6-month follow-up assessment indicated that overall, participants had maintained the gains made during the programme. The important role of self-regulation skills is emphasised as the principle factor contributing to the maintenance of the gains observed.     

Self-awareness and the medial temporal lobe in neurodegenerative diseases

Accurate self-awareness is essential for adapting one’s behaviour to one’s actual abilities, to avoid risky behaviour. Impaired self-awareness of deficits is common in neurodegenerative diseases. Numerous studies show an involvement of midline cortical areas in impaired self-awareness. Among the other brain regions implicated stand the medial temporal lobe (MTL) structures (i.e. hippocampus, amygdala, and temporopolar, entorhinal, perirhinal and posterior parahippocampal cortices). This review aims at evaluating the role of those structures in self-awareness in neurodegenerative diseases. To this aim, we briefly review impaired self-awareness in neurodegenerative diseases, give a neuroanatomical background on the MTL structures, and report those identified in neuroimaging studies on self-awareness. The MTL shows neuropathological, and structural or functional changes in patients who overestimate their abilities in the cognitive, socio-emotional or daily life activities domains. The structures implicated differ depending on the domain considered, suggesting a modality-specific involvement. The functional significance of the findings is discussed in view of the neuroanatomical networks of the MTL and in the context of theoretical models of self-awareness.     

Brain injury and emotion: An overview to a special issue on biopsychosocial approaches in neurorehabilitation

Survivors of acquired brain injury (ABI) are at risk of a range of neuropsychiatric and behavioural disorders. Emotional disturbance, with reactive elements of mood disorder, such as depression and anxiety, appear particularly common. Specific anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have also been identified. Pain syndromes are also common-particularly in those who have suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Survivors of ABI are often atrisk of substance misuse and of irritability states. Their relationships may suffer from the stresses triggered by the aftermath of injury. Intimate, in particular, sexual relationships may be particularly affected. These effects are not, necessarily, only consequent of severe injuries, as mild TBI can also have, for some, significant neuropsychiatric effects. Assessment and management of such conditions are compromised by survivors of injury often having a limited insight into the sequelae of their injuries. Interventions for such disorders and forms of distress are increasingly available. This paper introduces the special issue of Neuropsychological Rehabilitation on biopsychosocial approaches in neurorehabilitation. A range of papers provide overviews for assessing and managing such neuropsychiatric, mood and behavioural (health and habit) disorders.     

A systematic review of psychological interventions to alleviate cognitive and psychosocial problems in children with acquired brain injury

Aim It is now generally accepted that paediatric acquired brain injury (ABI) can have an impact on a child’s cognitive, social, and behavioural functioning. However, the lack of guidelines on effective interventions for the affected children and their families, particularly beyond the acute recovery phase, can limit access to effective support. We provide a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of psychological interventions aimed at alleviating cognitive and psychosocial outcomes after paediatric ABI. Method The search used the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Knowledge, and EBSCO databases and hand searches of key journals. Nine studies met inclusion criteria: five intervention studies of cognitive outcome and four of psychosocial outcome. Effect sizes and methodological quality ratings were calculated using specific criteria. Results Only two of the nine studies were rated as high quality. There was limited evidence for effective interventions for cognitive outcomes (attention, memory, and learning difficulties). For psychosocial outcomes, there was evidence that interventions can alleviate internalizing symptoms. Interpretation Although there are some encouraging findings, there is a need for further, more rigorously designed, and better controlled research in this important area. We discuss how future research may consider issues such as age‐appropriate interventions, the delivery format, and optimum post‐injury timing of interventions, as well as multicentre collaborations.     

Neurological outcome in children and youth with acquired brain injury 2-year post-injury

ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine neurological outcome in children and youth with acquired brain injury (ABI) and explore associated factors.

Design: Cross-sectional study, two-years post-injury. Patients: Hospital-based sample (n=112) aged 6-22 years.

Methods: Neurological outcome and participation were assessed with a multidimensional neurological examination and the Child and Adolescent Scale of Participation. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the relationships.

Results: Both sensorimotor and cognitive deficits were found in 30-31%, language deficits and behavioural deficits in 10-17%. Non-traumatic injury had a negative impact on neurological outcome, specifically regarding sensorimotor and language deficits. Lower education level showed a significantly poorer neurological outcome. High levels of age-expected participation were reported, with a significant relation between deficits and participation restrictions, especially at school.

Conclusion: One out of three have a poor neurological outcome, related to type of injury and lower level of education. The amount of deficits is associated with participation restrictions.