Eclectic perspectives on the psychology of aphasia.
This article explores the psychological changes that occur in patients who have suffered a stroke with resulting aphasia and examines the adjustments necessary to help the patient cope. The eclectic approach described in this paper examines the psychology of aphasia from three perspectives: effects of brain injury, psychological defenses and coping styles, and responses to loss. Depression, anxiety attacks, ego restriction, crying, euphoria, denial, anger, and a host of other psychological reactions can accompany stroke, sometimes causing health care personnel to feel overwhelmed by these psychological concomitants in their patients. This paper is intended as a guide to understanding the significant psychological adjustments many patients must undergo. Current information is provided to assist in evaluating and treating these patients.
Tanner
Dennis C
DC
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Box 15045, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA. dennis.tanner@nau.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D001037:Aphasia / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014481:United States