Valued living after mild traumatic brain injury: Characteristics and relationship with outcomes.

Psychological factors are strong predictors of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) recovery, consequently, psychological interventions can form part of an individual's rehabilitation. This may include enhancing valued living (VL), an approach that is effective in severe and mixed acquired brain injury samples. This study aimed to characterize VL in mTBI and explore its relationship with mTBI and mental health outcomes. 56 participants with a mTBI completed self-report measures before engaging in a psychological intervention. Pre-injury mental health and other demographic and injury-related variables, VL, post-concussion symptoms (PCS), functional disability, and stress, anxiety and depression were measured. A pre-injury mental health condition was significantly associated with VL. VL was uniquely associated with depression after mTBI (ß = -0.08, p = .05), however, there was no relationship with PCS, functional disability, stress or anxiety (p > .05). Following mTBI individuals with a pre-injury mental health condition or who experience heightened depressive symptoms may benefit from a values-based intervention as part of their rehabilitation. Future research, however, is needed to examine the role of VL in mTBI recovery.

Measuring memory: A survey of neuropsychological practice amongst New Zealand psychologists.

This study sought to explore patterns of memory assessment in neuropsychological practice within New Zealand (NZ), to compare it to that previously described in Europe, North America and Australia, and to consider the implications for neuropsychology training in NZ. 80 NZ-registered psychologists completed an online survey asking them how frequently they utilized 50 commonly used tests of memory. Participants were also asked about their main areas of specialty, work context and demographic information. Whilst participants appeared, broadly, to utilize a similar set of 'core' tests to their colleagues in Europe, Australia and North America, there were a number of tests and test domains that were rarely utilized by NZ psychologists, in contrast to overseas samples. Furthermore, several of the tests in common usage have been shown to have significant validity issues for use with an NZ population. Overall, this study suggests that most NZ psychologists employ a similar approach to memory assessment, typically relying upon a small number of well-known tests. This appears to contrast with a greater variability of practice shown in studies of European, North American and Australian psychologists and raises several interesting questions for the future development of neuropsychology in NZ.

Network analysis applied to post-concussion symptoms in two mild traumatic brain injury samples.

Objective: A latent disease explanation cannot exclusively explain post-concussion symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Network analysis offers an alternative form of explanation for relationships between symptoms. The study aimed to apply network analysis to post-concussion symptoms in two different mTBI cohorts; an acute treatment-seeking sample and a sample 10 years post-mTBI. Method: The treatment-seeking sample (n = 258) were on average 6 weeks post-injury; the 10 year post mTBI sample (n = 193) was derived from a population-based incidence and outcomes study (BIONIC). Network analysis was completed on post-concussion symptoms measured using the Rivermead Post-Concussion Questionnaire. Results: In the treatment-seeking sample, frustration, blurred vision, and concentration difficulties were central to the network. These symptoms remained central in the 10 year post mTBI sample. A Network Comparison Test revealed evidence of a difference in network structure across the two samples (p = 0.045). However, the only symptoms that showed significant differences in strength centrality across samples were irritability and restlessness. Conclusion: The current findings suggest that frustration, blurred vision and concentration difficulties may have an influential role in the experience and maintenance of post-concussion symptoms. The impact of these symptoms may remain stable over time. Targeting and prioritising the management of these symptoms may be beneficial for mTBI rehabilitation.

Patterns of post-traumatic stress symptoms in mild traumatic brain injury and their relationship with outcomes: a latent profile analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are known to contribute to postconcussion symptoms and functional status following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Identifying symptom cluster profiles provide an opportunity to better understand PTSS and their influence on these outcomes. In this study, latent profiles of PTSS following mTBI were identified, and their association with mTBI outcomes was examined. The predictive role of demographic and injury related variables on profile membership was also explored. METHOD: Adults (N = 252) completed self report measures of PTSS and mTBI outcomes (post-concussion symptoms and functional status) within three months of mTBI. These measures were re-administered six months later (N = 187). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to ascertain the latent class structure of PTSS, and regression analysis to examine predictors of profiles. ANCOVA, with general psychological distress as a covariate, revealed the relationship between profiles and mTBI outcomes. RESULTS: LPA identified a four-profile model to best describe PTSS at baseline. This included a resilient (49.6%), moderate (30.6%), moderate with high intrusion/avoidance (14.3%) and a highly symptomatic profile (5.6%). A secondary school education or less and/or unemployment before mTBI was significantly more likely in the highly symptomatic profile, as well as sustaining an mTBI due to an assault or motor vehicle accident. PTSS latent class membership was significantly associated with mTBI outcomes even when controlling for general psychological distress. The resilient group had significantly better outcomes at baseline and six-month follow-up. However, no significant differences in mTBI outcomes emerged between the moderate, moderate with high intrusion/avoidance and the highly symptomatic profiles. CONCLUSION: The current study provides novel information on the symptom profiles of PTSS in mTBI, predictors of profile membership and their relationship with mTBI outcomes. Although future research using this approach is needed, the current study offers a more in-depth understanding of PTSS in mTBI to inform clinical care.

A Framework for Understanding the Contribution of Psychosocial Factors in Biopsychosocial Explanatory Models of Persistent Postconcussion Symptoms.

Biopsychosocial models are currently used to explain the development of persistent postconcussion symptoms (PPCS) following concussion. These models support a holistic multidisciplinary management of postconcussion symptoms. One catalyst for the development of these models is the consistently strong evidence pertaining to the role of psychological factors in the development of PPCS. However, when applying biopsychosocial models in clinical practice, understanding and addressing the influence of psychological factors in PPCS can be challenging for clinicians. Accordingly, the objective of this article is to support clinicians in this process. In this Perspective article, we discuss current understandings of the main psychological factors involved in PPCS in adults and summarize these into 5 interrelated tenets: preinjury psychosocial vulnerabilities, psychological distress following concussion, environment and contextual factors, transdiagnostic processes, and the role of learning principles. With these tenets in mind, an explanation of how PPCS develop in one person but not in another is proposed. The application of these tenets in clinical practice is then outlined. Guidance is provided on how these tenets can be used to identify psychosocial risk factors, derive predictions, and mitigate the development of PPCS after concussion from a psychological perspective within biopsychosocial conceptualizations. IMPACT: This Perspective helps clinicians apply biopsychosocial explanatory models to the clinical management of concussion, providing summary tenets that can guide hypothesis testing, assessment, and treatment.

Fear avoidance and return to work after mild traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVES: Fear avoidance is associated with symptom persistence after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). In this study, we investigated whether fear avoidance was associated with other outcomes such as return to work-related activity (RTW). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed associations between fear avoidance and RTW 6-9 months after mTBI, in two merged prospective mTBI cohorts. Adult participants aged 16 or over (n=175), presenting to outpatient services in New Zealand within 3 months of their injury, who were engaged in work-related activity at the time of injury, were included. Participants completed the Fear Avoidance Behavior after Traumatic Brain Injury (FAB-TBI) questionnaire at enrollment and 6 months later. Associations between FAB-TBI scores and RTW outcome were analyzed using multivariate approaches. RESULTS: Overall, 53% of participants had RTW by 6-9 months after mTBI. While early fear avoidance was weakly associated with RTW, persistent high fear avoidance between study assessments or increasing avoidance with time were associated with greater odds of still being off work 6-9 months after injury. CONCLUSIONS: Pervasive and increasing avoidance of symptom triggers after mTBI were associated with lower rates of RTW 6-9 months after mTBI. Further research is needed to better understand transition points along the recovery trajectory where fear avoidance behaviors fade or increase after mTBI.

The influence of psychological flexibility on persistent post concussion symptoms and functional status after mild traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the predictive role of psychological flexibility on long-term mTBI outcomes. METHOD: Adults with mTBI (N = 147) completed a context specific measure of psychological flexibility, (AAQ-ABI), psychological distress, and mTBI outcomes at less than three months post injury (M = 6.02 weeks after injury) and 6 months later (N = 102). Structural equation modelling examined the mediating effects of psychological flexibility on psychological distress and mTBI outcomes at six months. The direct effect of psychological flexibility at less than three months on mTBI outcomes at six months was entered into the model, plus pre-injury and injury risk factors. RESULTS: The theoretically derived model had good overall fit (χ2 = 1.42; p = 0.09; NFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.95; CFI = 0.98 and RMSEA = 0.06). Psychological flexibility at less than 3 months was directly significantly related to psychological distress and post-concussion symptoms at six months. Psychological flexibility at 6 months significantly mediated the relationship between psychological distress and functional disability but not post-concussion symptoms at six months post injury. CONCLUSION: The exploratory findings suggest that a context specific measure of psychological flexibility assessed acutely and in the chronic phase of recovery may predict longer-term mTBI outcomes.Implications for RehabilitationPersistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can have a significant impact on wellbeing, functional status, and quality of life.In this study, psychological flexibility early in recovery, was associated with higher levels of psychological distress and more severe post-concussion symptoms six months later.Psychological flexibility at six months post-injury also mediated the relationship between psychological distress and functional disability.A context specific measure of psychological flexibility may predict poorer long-term outcomes following mTBI.

Psychological flexibility moderates the influence of fear avoidance on outcomes after mild traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVES: Psychological factors contribute to poorer long-term outcomes following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI); however, the exact psychological mechanisms that underly this relationship are not well understood. This study examined the relationship between psychological flexibility, fear avoidance, and outcomes over the first 6 months after mTBI. METHOD: Adults with mTBI-completed measures of psychological flexibility, fear avoidance, post-concussion symptoms, and functional status at baseline (<3 months post-injury; N = 152), and 3-month (N = 133) and 6-month follow-up (N = 102). A conceptually derived moderation-mediation analysis was used to test the mediating effect of fear avoidance on post-concussion symptoms and functional outcomes, and the moderating effects of psychological flexibility on fear avoidance. RESULTS: Fear avoidance had a significant indirect effect on the relationship between post-concussion symptoms and functional status across all three time points. Psychological flexibility was found to significantly moderate these effects. Only low levels of psychological flexibility had a significant influence on the mediating effects of high fear avoidance on functional status at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological flexibility may influence mTBI recovery by exerting an influence on fear avoidance. These initial findings provide a potential theoretical explanation of how fear avoidance can become maladaptive with time after mTBI.

Turning away from sound: The role of fear avoidance in noise sensitivity following mild traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Noise sensitivity (NS) following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is common impacts functioning and outcomes. Recent research suggests psychological factors may have a significant role in the development of NS after mTBI. Psychological interventions have been advocated for to reduce this experience. To be effective, these interventions must aim to target the psychological processes that contribute to this relationship. Fear avoidance holds promise in this regard. The current study aimed to explore the role of fear avoidance in NS and examine its role in mediating the relationship between psychological distress and NS. METHOD: Adults (n = 234) diagnosed with mTBI were recruited from outpatient mTBI clinics throughout New Zealand. Participants completed self-report measures of pre-injury mental health status, as well as current post-concussion symptoms, psychological distress (anxiety, stress, depression, fear avoidance and post-traumatic stress symptoms) and functional status upon entry to an mTBI outpatient clinic (M = 8.9, SD = 9.2, post injury). RESULTS: A pre-injury mental health diagnosis was associated with NS after mTBI, as were symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Regression analyses revealed that fear avoidance (ß = 0.45, p = .01), as well as stress (ß = 0.07, p = .01) and PTSD symptoms (ß = 0.02, p = .01), made a significant and unique contribution to NS. A series of mediation analyses found that fear avoidance had a significant indirect effect on the relationships between psychological distress and NS. CONCLUSIONS: Fear avoidance is related to NS following mTBI. Targeting fear avoidance behaviours and beliefs may represent a treatment target for reducing NS after mTBI.

The role of psychological flexibility in recovery following mild traumatic brain injury.

Purpose and Objective: Psychological distress is known to contribute to recovery following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and there is a need to understand the mechanisms that contribute to this relationship. The present study examined psychological flexibility, as a hypothesized psychological mechanism, in 169 treatment-seeking adults with mTBI. Research Method/Design: Participants completed self-report measures of postconcussion symptoms, psychological distress (anxiety, stress, and depression) and functional status within four weeks of entry to an mTBI outpatient clinic. A general measure (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire), as well as a context-specific (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Acquired Brain Injury) measure of psychological flexibility were administered. Results: Simple linear regression analysis showed that psychological flexibility made a significant contribution to the prediction of postconcussion symptoms and functional status. A series of multiple mediation analyses also found that psychological flexibility had a significant indirect effect on the relationships between psychological distress and postconcussion symptoms, and functional status. The context-specific, rather than the general measure of psychological flexibility, was consistently shown to contribute to these findings. Conclusions/Implications: These results suggest that psychological flexibility is a psychological mechanism that contributes to recovery outcomes in individuals with mTBI and could therefore be an important treatment target in mTBI interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Psychological flexibility in mild traumatic brain injury: an evaluation of measures.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined the psychometric properties of measures of psychological flexibility in a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) sample. METHOD AND PROCEDURES: Adults who sustained a mTBI (n = 112) completed the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire - Acquired Brain Injury reactive avoidance subscale (AAQ-ABI (RA). Exploratory factor analysis and Rasch analysis were conducted to evaluate the facture structure, dimensionality, and differential item functioning. Construct validity was determined by correlating the AAQ-ABI (RA) with the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Revised (AAQ-II) and Fear Avoidance after Traumatic Brain Injury (FAB-TBI). MAIN OUTCOME AND RESULTS: The AAQ-ABI (RA) was found to have strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.87). Consistent with previous findings, the AAQ-ABI (RA) had one distinct factor. Fit to the unidimensional Rasch model was adequate (χ2 (18) = 22.5, p = .21) with no evidence of differential item functioning across person factors examined. The AAQ-ABI (RA) also had expected relationships with theoretically relevant constructs. CONCLUSIONS: The AAQ-ABI (RA) appears to be a psychometrically sound measure of psychological flexibility in mTBI.

Psychological flexibility: A psychological mechanism that contributes to persistent symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury?

Persistent symptoms following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can have profound implications on all aspects of an individual's functioning. Psychological factors have a significant role in contributing to the development of persistent post-concussion symptoms and predicting outcomes. Biopsychosocial explanations have therefore been applied to prognostic models of mTBI. What is not evident in the literature to date is an understanding of the psychological mechanisms that may be important in mediating the various psychological factors in these models. The construct of psychological flexibility holds promise in this regard. Psychological flexibility is the ability to act in alignment with values in the presence of inner discomfort such as pain and distress. It is hypothesised that psychological flexibility has a significant role in the development and maintenance of persistent symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury. The rationale that forms the basis of this hypothesis is as follows: a relationship exists between psychological flexibility and pre-injury psychological risk factors; psychological flexibility is vulnerable to the pathophysiology associated with mTBI; post-injury psychological and neuropsychological factors exacerbate and maintain psychological inflexibility; and psychological flexibility underlies psychological responses to mTBI that contribute to unfavourable outcomes. A discussion of the literature that pertains to each of these points is presented. Based on this hypothesis, we conclude, that there is rationale to empirically explore the role of psychological flexibility in mTBI and its relationship to outcomes. This may also lead to evaluation of specific interventions that target this psychological mechanism in mTBI, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and improve outcomes for this population.

Mapping eloquent cortex: A voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping study of core speech production capacities in brain tumour patients.

This study used voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping to examine the cortical and white matter regions associated with language production impairments in a sample of 63 preoperative tumour patients. We identified four cognitive functions considered crucial for spoken language production: semantic-to-lexical mapping (selecting the appropriate lexical label for the intended concept); phonological encoding (retrieving the word's phonological form); articulatory-motor planning (programming the articulatory motor movements); and goal-driven language selection (exerting top-down control over the words selected for production). Each participant received a score estimating their competence on each function. We then mapped the region(s) where pathology was significantly associated with low scores. For semantic-to-lexical mapping, the critical map encompassed portions of the left posterior middle and inferior temporal gyri, extending into posterior fusiform gyrus, overlapping substantially with the territory of the inferior longitudinal fasciculus. For phonological encoding, the map encompassed the left inferior parietal lobe and posterior middle temporal gyrus, overlapping with the territory of the inferior longitudinal and posterior arcuate fasciculi. For articulatory-motor planning, the map encompassed parts of the left frontal pole, frontal operculum, and inferior frontal gyrus, and overlapped with the territory of the frontal aslant tract. Finally, the map for goal-driven language selection encompassed the left frontal pole and the anterior cingulate cortex. We compare our findings with those from other neuropsychological samples, and conclude that the study of tumour patients offers evidence that complements that available from other populations.

An evaluation of language in brain tumor patients using a new cognitively motivated testing protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the language impairments that occur in brain tumor patients using a cognitively oriented theoretical framework. METHOD: Forty-nine preoperative brain tumor patients completed a new testing protocol (the BLAST) which assesses 8 well documented, "core" cognitive skills required for language: auditory word recognition, accessing semantic knowledge, lexical selection, phonological encoding, verbal short-term memory, goal-driven language selection, verb retrieval, and articulatory-motor planning. Patients were unselected with respect to lesion location. RESULTS: A surprising 65% of patients scored below controls on at least 1 core skill. Patients with left temporal tumors, as a group, had lower scores than the remaining patients on phonological encoding, accessing semantic knowledge and verbal short-term memory (STM). Those with left frontal tumors had the lowest scores on articulatory-motor planning. These findings are broadly consistent with previous studies examining the anatomical substrates of our "core" cognitive processes. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that selective impairments in key language skills are common in brain tumor patients, but many of these are not adequately assessed on conventional aphasia assessments. Our protocol may provide a useful resource for preoperative, postoperative and intraoperative language assessment in this population. (PsycINFO Database Record