1. Psychological Effects of Spinal Cord Injury: A Topical Review
Brittney Otruba & Harry Voulgarakis
School of Psychology, Fielding Graduate University
Background
Prevalence, Demographics, & Etiology
Psychological Assessment
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
CBT for Depression and Anxiety
Psychological Pain Management
Emotional Adjustment
The spinal cord is a collection of nerves that run down the back, connected to the spine. Nerves carry information from the brain to the periphery, and back to the brain.
The spinal nerves contain both motor and sensory nerve fibers to and from all areas of the body.
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) occurs when there is a disruption to these nerves that affects the flow of information from the brain to the rest of the body.
SCI typically occurs as the result of a fractured or dislocated vertebrae.
Some SCI cut through the entire spinal cord, however most commonly they do not, but rather tear into cord tissue
Most commonly areas affected by SCI are sexual function, social adjustment, partner relationship, sleep disturbance, and overall family adjustment.
Each of the following should be included in a comprehensive assessment of an SCI patient:
Reports of SCI in the Unites States have steadily increased in recent years
Average age of injury was 42 years of age in late 2014, ranging from young children to older adults.
Vehicle crashes were the leading cause of injury, followed by falls and violence.
COUPLES THERAPY
Adjusting to sexual dysfunction
Emotional adjustment of the partner
Supporting strategies in the home
Quality of Life
(QOLI)
Given the steady increase in SCI incidence rates combined with the significant detriment that a SCI can have on an individual’s life, the literature suggests several important areas for future research. These include but are not limited to:
Identification of risk factors for poor quality of life
Identification of evidence-based treatments specific to an SCI population
Identification of ways to decrease re-hospitalization
Many thanks to Dr. Tiffany Field for her guidance, feedback, and direction.
FAMILY THERAPY
Helping children and other family members to adjust
Guiding family members to support the patient in the home
Objective Assessment (MMPI, PAI)
Social/Behavior
(ABAS, Vineland, SSI)
Clinical Interview with patient and family
GROUP THERAPY/SUPPORT GROUPS
Develop support with other SCI patient
Provide support and guidance for others
Develop coping strategies
Neuropsych- ological Eval.
(WAIS, D-KEFS)
Suggestions for Future Research
Rehabilitation Psychologists should be an integral part of any SCI rehabilitation team.
Depression is arguably the most common psychological diagnosis following SCI.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for depression should be integrated into treatment.
Systematic desensitization and graduated exposure can be helpful for social reintegration
Psychological Treatment
Acknowledgements