Preinjury emotional and family functioning in caregivers of persons with traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the preinjury family functioning, emotional distress, and social support of caregivers of persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI).


METHODS
Inception cohort.


METHODS
Three Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems centers' inpatient rehabilitation facilities.


METHODS
One hundred ninety-one caregivers, primarily white and female, of persons with TBI.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
The Brief Symptom Inventory, Family Assessment Device, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and history of medical and psychiatric illness.


RESULTS
Thirty-seven percent of caregivers indicated symptoms of emotional distress consistent with psychiatric diagnoses for the month before injury, whereas 27% reported a history of psychiatric or psychologic treatment at some point in the past. Between 25% and 33% of caregivers reported unhealthy family functioning in 1 or more areas for the month before injury. Persons with an annual income less than US dollars 10,000 reported less healthy preinjury family functioning. Caregivers reported good satisfaction with preinjury social support, and very few caregivers reported a history of substance abuse.


CONCLUSIONS
A substantial proportion of caregivers reported emotional distress and/or unhealthy family functioning before injury. Such difficulties may make them more vulnerable to the stress associated with injury and result in greater coping difficulties.
Sander
Angelle M
AM
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. sandea@tirr.tmc.edu
Sherer
Mark
M
Malec
James F
JF
High
Walter M
WM
Thompson
Risa Nakase
RN
Moessner
Anne M
AM
Josey
Jennifer
J
D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological