Use of family focused therapy in rehabilitation for veterans with traumatic brain injury.

Abstract

The adaptation of an existing family intervention for a chronic condition that focuses on enhancing both individual and family functioning is a useful starting point. With further research to modify FFT for this unique population and establish feasibility, this approach may supplement existing models of family intervention.

Caring for our wounded warriors: A qualitative examination of health-related quality of life in caregivers of individuals with military-related traumatic brain injury

“…8-13 These difficulties are in addition to the burdens related to deployment and reintegration (e.g., high divorce rates and family disruption). 14-16 Service members with TBI are also more likely than civilians with TBI to experience repeat injuries, as well as comorbid physical and psychological ailments simultaneous with the TBI (i.e., polytrauma). 14,15 Polytrauma occurs when an individual experiences concurrent injuries to multiple body parts and organ systems; this can include major extremity trauma (single or multiple amputations), musculoskeletal injuries, burns, spinal cord injury, auditory and visual impairment and facial disfigurement.…”

Personality and Behavior Changes Subsequent to Traumatic Brain Injury: A Review of the Literature

“…Thirdly, despite the type of intervention or treatment modality used in brain injury rehabilitation, a supportive social network is the highest predictor of successful outcomes in rehabilitation (Dausch & Saliman, 2009;Perlick et al, 2011;Prigatano, 1992;Ruzek et al, 2011;Slone & Friedman, 2008). Close family members in particular appear to help patients significantly in affect rehabilitation as well as increased cognitive function.…”

“…Patients of all TBI severity levels who have supportive family involvement in rehabilitation tend to fair much better and have more successful rehabilitation than those patients without family support (Brooks & McKinlay, 1983;Dausch & Saliman, 2009;Perlick et al, 2011;Prigatano, 1992;Ruzek et al, 2011;Slone & Friedman, 2008). Poor family or social support can have negative effects on treatment outcomes.…”

“…Among veterans, this comorbidity tends to have a high rate of occurrence (Dausch & Saliman, 2009;Ruzek et al, 2011) as high as 71% in one study (Perlick et al, 2011). This connection is contrary to the belief that one cannot develop PTSD without a recollection of the traumatic event; quite the contrary, PTSD can occur even if there is no memory of the even due to posttraumatic amnesia associated with TBI (Joseph & Linley, 2008;Ruzek et al, 2011;Slone & Friedman, 2008).…”

“…Psychoeducation concerning the nature of TBI as well as rehabilitation and prognosis are recommended by several researchers (Burg et al, 2000;Dausch & Saliman, 2009;Weddell & Leggett, 2006). Psychoeducation is stated to be useful so that patients, caretakers, and family have a clear idea about realistic expectations considering the extent of their injuries and for rehabilitation.…”