Priori Path Model

The Family Systems Stressor-Strength Inventory (FS3I) is a tool used to evaluate and measure stressful conditions occurring in families and assist clinicians in developing intervention activities for individual members. By using this instrument, strengths and weaknesses of family functioning can be identified. The FS3I involves independent completion of the instrument by each member of the family prior to the interview with the clinician. After completion of the instrument, the clinician assesses the family on each of the stressful conditions from a general and specific perspective. Both quantitative and qualitative data are used to define the intervention required to establish equilibrium within the family (Kaakinen, Gedaly-Duff, Coehlo, &

A traumatic brain injury (“TBI”) occurs when the brain is somehow injured, rattled, or wounded from an external source of force. The means of acquisition and the severity of TBIs are unique to each patient; therefore, symptoms and rehabilitation can vary greatly depending on the patient’s condition following the incident and how they sustained the injury. The severity of a TBI is generally classified into one of three categories: mild, moderate, or severe, and this type of diagnostic criteria influences how a patient with TBI is treated by medical staff and rehabilitation specialists. TBIs can affect a specific part of the brain that was directly impacted, leaving the patients with only one or a few areas of impairment, or the damage can

However, because the respondents self-reported their level of depression and were not clinically assessed by a provider, for example, it was not possible to examine how clinical or subclinical levels of depression may have affected the scale’s ability to properly assess those kinds of psychological incapacities (Conrad, Matschinger, Riedel-Heller, von Gottberg & Kilian, 2014). When compared to the WHOQOL-BREF, the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Barthel Index and the Mini-Mental State examination, another study done on older adults in Taiwan in 2013 found that the WHOQOL-OLD yielded the most acceptable psychometric properties and found it to be a useful instrument for older adults in Taiwan compared to others (Yao & Chien, 2013). In Britain in 2011, however, when the WHOQOL-OLD, CASP-19 and OPQOL were compared in a random zipcode with an ethnically diverse population and a mostly non-diverse white population, both CASP-19 and WHOQOL-OLD were found to be reliable only in a non-diverse sample (Grant & Bowling, 2011). Whereas the OPQOL was found to be reliable in both diverse and non-diverse demographic populations (Grant & Bowling, 2011). OPQOL’s domains and other psychometric properties will be addressed in the next

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a worldwide health problem that can lead to death or long-term disability even in people with mild TBI, especially in young population (Menon et al., 2010). More than 1.3 million visits to emergency department in the United States report for TBI (Faul et al., 2010). TBI can lead to sundry impairments and disabilities in physical , functional, cognitive, emotional and social realms which remarkably reduce health-related quality of life(HRQL) (Scholten et al., 2015: Andelic et al., 2009). TBI can be classified according to it severity into mild-moderate and sever TBI. Mild TBI (MTBI) also termed concussion score for over 77% of the entire reported TBI cases in the United States. About 40% of these cases are frequently

Evidence is mounting that a correlation exists between TBI and the likelihood of the development of a neurodegenerative disease such as AD (Weiner et al, 2013). The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have produced countless cases of TBI. It is estimated that since 2003 more than 200,000 of the men and women deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan have been exposed to concussive events that have resulted in a diagnosis of TBI (DOD,

As stated by Hornberger, Smith (2011) “Whatever the level of family functioning, the problem behaviors have affected all family members. If the therapeutic goals are sustainable outcomes that improve health and well-being, then the family, which may or may not be part of the problem, must be part of the solution.” I believe it is important for

Patients who experience a TBI may lack self-control and self-awareness and as a result may act out impulsively without thinking. Impulsive and socially inappropriate behavior results from decreased reasoning abilities and lack of control. Self-awareness requires complex thinking skills that are often weakened after brain injury. Depression and an alteration in mood states, such an anxiety, anger, and hostility, are common problems experienced after a traumatic brain injury. These changes, in turn, have a significant impact on occupational performance, including employment, academic pursuits, leisure, and social participation (Driver & Ede, 2009; Hoffman, Bell, Powell, Behr, Dunn, Dikmen, & Bombardier, 2010). Researchers have discovered that physical activity significantly improves behaviors as well as mood states in individuals with TBI. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise has been associated with positive effects on mood and self-esteem, and it promotes a general sense of well-being with those who had suffered from a TBI. In clinical populations, exercise has been shown to be a good adjunctive treatment for depression and anxiety (Lee et al., 2014; Zollman, 2011; Wheeler, Acord-Vira, & Davis, 2016). Evidence from a Level I study supports the use of aquatic exercise to improve tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, and confusion with people 6 months to 5

A traumatic brain injury, often referred to as TBI, occurs when an acute, intense amount of force from outside the cranium causes a traumatic injury to the brain. Traumatic brain injuries pose potentially unlimited post-trauma hurdles and impediments to both the patient and their family. One of the more difficult potential impediments to be faced in the wake of a traumatic brain injury is the development of a new psychiatric disorder. In fact, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders is three times more likely in patients who have suffered a traumatic brain injury than those who have not (Garcia, 2001, Para 2). There have been numerous studies into the correlation between traumatic brain injuries and the development of new psychiatric disorders; however, the link between the two is still

In their article, Depression and Cognitive Complaints Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Dr. Silver, Dr. McAllister, and Dr. Arciniegas (2009) states that “Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common occurrence with multiple possible neuropsychiatric sequelae, including problems with cognition, emotion, and behavior.” A traumatic brain injury is a physiological disruption of brain function due to the application of external physical force, including acceleration/deceleration forces. Neuropsychiatric sequelae, a term used to describe a cluster of post-TBI symptoms to include: cognitive, emotional, behavioral, physical, and psychosocial problems, is a significant source of disability in TBI survivors and their families. This review will examine symptoms of depression and cognitive impairment in individuals that have experienced a mild TBI, as well as the clinical approach to treating such people (Silver, McAllister, & Arciniegas, 2009).

My objective in the long term is to provide therapeutic and counseling services that assist persons suffering with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or acquired brain injury (ABI) in coping and recovering from the mental illnesses that often accompany such tragedies. TBI/ABI has shown a proven link with “anxiety, depression, personality changes, aggression (National Alliance on Mental Illness Veterans Resource Center May 8, 2009 Traumatic Brain Injury)”, as well as many other issues. As the caregiver for a survivor of a rare and deadly strain of encephalitis, I have a personal perspective that I feel brings much to the discussion. I see the information I am currently gathering at Empire State College as the building blocks that pave the way

Researching the social and cognitive functioning in children after experiencing a TBI, was the largest area of research articles within the neuropsychological discourse community. Some examples of this

Nonadherence rates are 27% higher for patients with depression. (Martin, et al.). “The prevalence of depressive disorders in chronic medical illness is 1.5 to 4 times higher than the general population (DiMatteo, 2012). Depression is one of the strongest predictors of patient nonadherence (DiMatteo 2000, Martin). Depressed patients experience feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, loss of energy, loss of interest and enjoyment, weight changes, sleep disorders,

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the most common causes of death and long-term disability in children (Kraus, 1995). It is an acquired brain injury that occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain (NIH,2016). The symptoms for Traumatic Brain Injury include frequent headaches, lightheadedness and dizziness. An individual may experience having blurred vision tired eyes, and fatigue. Even stressors prior to having an injury can contribute to the result of post injury. A person will experience a change in their sleep patterns, behavioral or mood changes, and trouble with their memory, concentration, attention, or thinking when they have Traumatic Brain Injury. Traumatic Brain Injuries can conclude to

The disabilities that result from moderate to severe TBI differ depending on the area of injury, but they may include difficulties in speech, coordination, bilateral function, memory, complex thinking, and other areas (Murrey, 2006). Emotional and social areas are also affected by TBI due to changes in familial roles, lowered self-esteem, and hopelessness brought on by the injury (Murrey, 2006). Because of this, suicide rates in these patients are remarkably high, with 33% of patients at risk (León-Carriòn et al., 2005). Recovery in TBI patients may occur spontaneously throughout the two years following the trauma (León-Carrión et al., 2005). Beyond this point, remaining disabilities are usually permanent (León-Carrión et al., 2005).

Mental health is a combination of the social, psychological, and emotional wellbeing of individuals. It is an important consideration for everyone throughout their lives as it can affect the way people act, think, and feel. Mental health problems negatively impact on the quality of life of individuals as it may cause psychosocial impairment and emotional distress (Rogers, 2014). I once encountered an individual with severe depression as indicated by a score of 22 on the PHQ-9 patient depression questionnaire. The patient had only sought treatment for a mental issue. Sharfstein, Dickerson, and Oldham (2012) noted