Feedback of brain-imaging findings: effect on impaired awareness and mood in acquired brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the utility of feedback of brain-imaging findings as an intervention for improving impaired awareness, depression and anxiety levels.


METHODS
A prospective within-subjects repeated measures design was used with an intervention sample of 17 adults with acquired brain injury. Baseline and post-intervention measures included self-report and questionnaire-based self-awareness instruments and self-report questionnaires for depression and anxiety. Participants also completed a range of neuropsychological tests.


METHODS
The intervention consisted of a session where a Consultant Neurologist explained the findings of brain scans in terms of pathological findings and possible neurobehavioural outcome.


RESULTS
Scores on measures of unawareness and two of three mood measures decreased significantly following the intervention. This improvement was maintained at 2-week follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Individuals with an acquired brain injury may benefit from a feedback procedure where the findings of brain scans are presented.
Roberts
Craig B
CB
North Wales Brain Injury Service, Colwyn Bay, UK. craig.roberts@cd-tr.wales.nhs.uk
Rafal
Robert
R
Coetzer
B Rudi
BR
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis; D001364:Awareness; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed