Cognitive, behavioral and psychiatric symptoms in patients with spinal cord injury: a scoping review

Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2024 · DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1369714 · Published: March 20, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Neurology

Simple Explanation

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) can lead to psychiatric symptoms and cognitive impairments, such as reduced processing speed and difficulties with memory and executive functions. Common psychiatric issues after SCI include depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder, which can affect the rehabilitation process. SCI patients may experience psychiatric symptoms and cognitive impairments that affect their functioning, potentially leading to increased hospitalization and delayed rehabilitation.

Study Duration

Studies published between 2013-2023 were selected

Participants

Patients with moderate to severe SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Patients with SCI are at a high risk of cognitive impairment, particularly in processing speed and executive function tasks.
2
SCI patients commonly experience adjustment disorders with depression and anxiety, along with other psychiatric symptoms like fatigue, stress, and suicidal ideation.
3
Psychiatric symptoms and cognitive impairments in SCI patients can interact, worsening symptoms, increasing hospitalization risk, and delaying rehabilitation.

Research Summary

This scoping review investigates cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric symptoms in SCI patients and their influence on rehabilitation, finding high risks of cognitive impairment and adjustment disorders. SCI patients may readjust their quality of life despite difficulties, but factors like education, substance use, and post-concussion symptoms can worsen cognitive impairment; anxiety further impairs cognitive functions. Depression and anxiety are common psychiatric symptoms in SCI patients, increasing with age and affecting functional independence; social support and coping strategies can mediate depressive symptoms, while resilience protects against suicidal ideation.

Practical Implications

Early Identification and Management

Healthcare providers should proactively screen for cognitive and psychiatric symptoms in SCI patients to facilitate early intervention and improve rehabilitation outcomes.

Holistic Rehabilitation Approach

Rehabilitation programs should integrate psychological and cognitive therapies alongside physical rehabilitation to address the interconnected nature of these symptoms.

Focus on Protective Factors

Interventions should focus on enhancing resilience, coping strategies, and social support to mitigate the impact of psychiatric symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Study Limitations

1
Limited number of papers meeting the inclusion criteria
2
Heterogeneous methodology and samples across studies
3
Restriction of articles by date and database, potentially omitting important evidence

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