Patients' perspectives on causal relations among consequences of acquired brain injury in a neuropsychiatric population: a proof-of-concept network analysis.

OBJECTIVES

To explore perceived causal relations (PCRs) between aspects of mental functioning in individuals with ABI receiving care at a specialized neuropsychiatric facility.

METHODS

Fourteen individuals with ABI rated perceived causality between seven aspects of mental functioning (as outlined in the Brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for Traumatic Brain Injury and for Neurological Conditions for Post-Acute Care) during a guided interview. A visual network of PCRs was constructed based on these ratings, and centrality measures were computed.

RESULTS

Network analysis revealed strong PCRs among difficulties in energy and drive functions, emotional, and attention functions. Difficulties in energy and drive, as well as emotional functions, were perceived as central to the network, having the most pronounced influence on other aspects of mental functioning. In contrast, difficulties with attention functions were primarily perceived as caused by difficulties in other aspects of functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms proof-of-concept for the application of PCR methodology in individuals with ABI. Employing a network approach grounded in patients' self-reported perceptions to explore interconnections between consequences of ABI, provides unique insights into the lived experience of ABI. The findings suggest that addressing fatigue and emotional regulation may positively influence other symptoms.