Long-term adjustment of families following traumatic brain injury where comprehensive rehabilitation has been provided.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to examine long-term family and emotional adjustment in close relatives of individuals with TBI, who had access to comprehensive rehabilitation services. It also examined the relative influence thereon of factors including injury severity, handicap and cognitive and behavioural changes in the injured person, relationship with the injured person and caregiver status.


METHODS
Participants were 143 TBI individuals and their close relatives. They completed the Family Assessment Device (FAD), Leeds Scales of Anxiety and Depression, Structured Outcome Questionnaire, CHART, SIP Psychosocial Dimension and Novaco Anger Control Questionnaire 2-5 years post-injury.


RESULTS
Results showed that families were, on average, functioning in the normal range on the FAD. Anxiety and depression were more likely to be present in those responsible for care of their injured relative. There were no differences between spouses and parents. Presence of cognitive, behavioural and emotional changes was the strongest predictor of anxiety and depression in relatives and of unhealthy family functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
Every attempt should be made to develop models of long-term support and care that alleviate these sources of burden on relatives.
Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Epworth Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. jennie.ponsford@med.monash.edu.au
Jennie
J
Ponsford
John
J
Olver
Michael
M
Ponsford
Robyn
R
Nelms
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D004644:Emotions; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires