Finding out if “The ‘me’ will shut down”: Successful cognitive-behavioural therapy of seizure-related panic symptoms following subarachnoid haemorrhage: A single case report

Abstract

Successful cognitive and behavioural therapies for anxiety disorders in separate cases of acquired brain injury and seizure disorder have been reported although evidence of efficacy is limited. This paper describes the presentation and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) of seizure-related panic symptoms in the context of subarachnoid haemorrhage and cavernoma. Multidisciplinary clinical assessment was conducted and 12 sessions of CBT according to the model of Clark (1986) were delivered. Outcome was measured in terms of goal attainment, belief ratings of target cognitions and completion of standardised questionnaire measures pre and post-treatment. Process was measured through client's ratings of anxiety-related beliefs through treatment. The client attained all goals, eliminated avoidance and other unhelpful coping behaviour, and rated reduced levels of anxiety on a standardised measure. Changes in identified target cognitions were also evident. It is concluded that a cognitive-behavioural approach may be helpful in understanding and treating anxiety disorders where symptom presentation is complicated by neurological problems. Further investigation of the relationship between development of anxiety disorders, occurrence of neurological events, and processes of CBT following acquired brain injury is suggested.

Rehabilitation Treatments for Adults with Behavioral and Psychosocial Disorders Following Acquired Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

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Identity, grief and self-awareness after traumatic brain injury

“…For many people some of the most enduring changes after acquired brain injury relate to the subjective experience of who someone is, or their identity (Cloute, Mitchell, & Yates, 2008;Coetzer, 2008;Gracey, Oldham, & Kritzinger, 2007;Ylvisaker, McPherson, Kayes, & Pellett, 2008), although there is not necessarily a direct link between acquired neurological damage and personhood. Hence "personality change" should probably be conceptualised within a bio-psychosocial framework (Yeates, Gracey, & McGrath, 2008).…”

Is it time to act? The potential of acceptance and commitment therapy for psychological problems following acquired brain injury

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