Does severity of spinal cord injury predict likelihood of suffering chronically from severe depression and anxiety?

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-022-00525-7 · Published: May 16, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Mental Health Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the link between the seriousness of spinal cord injuries and the likelihood of experiencing long-term depression and anxiety. Researchers aimed to see if people with more severe spinal cord injuries are more prone to depression and anxiety compared to those with less severe injuries. The study found no significant differences in depression and anxiety levels among different groups of spinal cord injury patients, suggesting that all individuals with SCI may be at similar risk regardless of the injury's severity.

Study Duration

6 months to 20+ years

Participants

49 subjects with spinal cord injuries

Evidence Level

Qualitative Survey study

Key Findings

1
There were no statistically significant differences in depression and anxiety scores among the groups tested, including those with different levels of injury completeness or injury type.
2
Individuals with paraplegia or incomplete injuries had higher average scores for depression and anxiety, although these differences were not statistically significant.
3
Suicidal ideation was present in 26.5% of the participants, with a slightly higher proportion among those with paraplegia and motor complete injuries.

Research Summary

The study aimed to determine if the severity and level of spinal cord injury (SCI) are associated with the degree of anxiety and depression in chronic SCI. The research involved 49 participants with varying degrees of SCI and assessed their depression and anxiety levels using standardized questionnaires. The study concluded that there were no statistically significant differences in depression and anxiety scores among different SCI groups, suggesting similar risk levels regardless of SCI severity.

Practical Implications

Counseling for all SCI patients

Counseling efforts should be directed towards all people with SCI, irrespective of the severity or level of their injury.

Addressing stigma

The study helps reduce the stigma that individuals with spinal cord injuries are inherently unhappy or unable to cope emotionally with their injuries.

Focus on paraplegia and incomplete injuries

Despite non-significant results, counseling efforts should particularly be focused to help people with paraplegia and incomplete injuries.

Study Limitations

1
Small sub-sample sizes for each category may have impacted statistical results.
2
Some participants may have had a history of depression and anxiety before injury.
3
Current literature is lacking in research of long term injuries.

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