Enhanced emotional reactions in chronic head trauma patients
Document Type
Article
Abstract
The emotional characteristics of head injury patients referred for neuropsychological testing were examined as a function of the time since injury. Patients referred more than 6 months from injury were more emotionally distressed on the MMPI and Katz Adjustment Scale (relatives form) compared to those tested 6 months or earlier. The more chronic head trauma patients were more anxious and depressed, more confused in their thinking, and more socially withdrawn compared to the acute patient group. These differences in emotional functioning appeared to be independent of level of neuropsychological impairment and the initial length of coma. Premorbid personality and increased awareness of impaired functioning with the passage of time are discussed as possible mediators of enhanced emotional distress in some chronic head injury patients.
Publication Date
1-1-1983
Publication Title
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry
ISSN
00223050
Volume
46
Issue
7
First Page
620
Last Page
624
PubMed ID
6886698
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1136/jnnp.46.7.620
Recommended Citation
Fordyce, David J.; Roueche, James R.; and Prigatano, George P., "Enhanced emotional reactions in chronic head trauma patients" (1983). Clinical Neuropsychology. 196.
https://scholar.barrowneuro.org/neuropsychology/196