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Self-determination theory proposes that the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (competence, autonomy, and relatedness) is essential to psychological well-being. This study aims to explore the acute impact of a mild traumatic brain injury on the perception of need satisfaction as well as to better understand which variables among post-concussion symptoms and mood are associated with the satisfaction of these psychological needs. A total of 179 adults with mild traumatic brain injury were included. The Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale (BPNS) was completed retrospectively to assess need satisfaction pre-injury and after the injury to assess need satisfaction post-injury. The Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire as well as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were also completed post injury. A significant difference between the perception of need satisfaction pre- and post- was found on the total BPNS score, with lower scores on the post-injury evaluation (less satisfaction). Moreover, higher levels of depression and anxiety were associated with less satisfaction. These results suggest that sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury may have a negative impact on the satisfaction of competence, autonomy, and relatedness needs. To conclude, it is recommended that these concepts be included in psychological intervention programs following mild traumatic brain injury. A significant decrease in psychological need satisfaction is highlighted following mild traumatic brain injury. It is recommended that the needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in intervention programs following mild traumatic brain injury needs to be addressed. The more mild traumatic brain injury patients are anxious and depressed the more likely it is that they will present a diminished satisfaction of needs, expressed by a lower level of perception of their autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Thus, integrative intervention for anxiety as well as depression following mild traumatic brain injury is also recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the visual memory performance of uncomplicated and complicated mild TBI (mTBI) groups with that of a control group on the Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT). We also aimed to explore the influence of factors such as age, gender, education, occupation, and intellectual functioning on visual memory in individuals with mTBI. The RCFT and the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI-II) were administered to 138 participants (90 uncomplicated mTBI patients, 19 complicated mTBI patients, and 29 controls). The mTBI patients demonstrated significantly lower scores than control participants on both immediate and delayed RCFT recall conditions, with performance in the low average and borderline range. However, there was no difference in performance between the two mTBI groups on the recall conditions. In addition, no significant differences were observed across the three groups on the recognition condition. The WASI-II Performance and Verbal IQ scales explained most of the variance in the immediate and delayed RCFT recall conditions but were not associated with performance on the recognition condition. In contrast with the recognition processes involved in visual memory, recall processes seem to be more vulnerable following mTBI and both verbal and performance IQ seem to be related to visual memory performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine if the Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ) is a better tool for outcome prediction than an objective neuropsychological assessment following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The study included 47 patients with mTBI referred to an outpatient rehabilitation clinic. The RPQ and a brief neuropsychological battery were performed in the first few days following the trauma. The outcome measure used was the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 (MPAI-4) which was completed within the first 3 months. The only variable associated with results on the MPAI-4 was the RPQ score (p < .001). The predictive outcome model including age, education, and the results of the Trail-Making Test-Parts A and B (TMT) had a pseudo-R(2) of .02. When the RPQ score was added, the pseudo-R(2) climbed to .19. This model indicates that the usefulness of the RPQ score and the TMT in predicting moderate-to-severe limitations, while controlling for confounders, is substantial as suggested by a significant increase in the model chi-square value, delta (1df) = 6.517, p < .001. The RPQ and the TMT provide clinicians with a brief and reliable tool for predicting outcome functioning and can help target the need for further intervention and rehabilitation following mTBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary objective: To predict which characteristics are associated with patients at risk of discharge against medical advice (AMA). Research design: Data were retrospectively collected on individuals ( n = 5642) admitted to the Traumatic Brain Injury Program of the MUHC-MGH. Methods and procedures: Outcome measures used were length of stay (LOS), the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) as well as the Functional Independence Measure (FIM®). Main outcomes: The overall rate of patients leaving AMA was 1.9% ( n = 108). Age was negatively associated with AMA discharge (95% CI OR = [0.966;0.991]). Patients with a history of substance abuse were ∼2-times more likely to leave AMA than those not using substances before injury (95% CI OR = [1.172;3.314]) and the homeless were ∼3-times more likely to leave AMA compared to those who were not homeless (95% CI OR = [1.260;7.138]). Length of stay (LOS) was shorter for patients leaving AMA ( p < 0.001) and they showed better outcome (GOSE: p < 0.001; FIM®: p = 0.032). Conclusions: Knowing the profile of patients with TBI leaving AMA hospitalized in an urban Level 1 Trauma centre will help in the development of effective strategies based on patient needs, values and pre-injury psychosocial situation to encourage them to complete their treatment course in hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]