Mental Health and Spinal Cord Injury: Clinical Considerations for Rehabilitation Providers

Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-022-00349-4 · Published: April 28, 2022

Mental Health Neurorehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Addressing mental health in SCI rehabilitation is vital for improved outcomes. Untreated mental health distress can hinder rehabilitation progress and overall health. Rehabilitation psychologists play a key role in addressing these concerns. People with SCI are at higher risk for mental health issues, but most adapt well. Factors like optimism, strong support, and problem-solving skills aid positive adaptation after a spinal cord injury. Rehabilitation psychologists can help patients adapt emotionally and cognitively. They encourage motivation, participation in therapies, and positive coping skills to improve emotional and physical health after SCI.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI)

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Individuals with SCI are at a heightened risk for mental health distress, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, compared to the general population.
2
Resilience and positive adaptation are common among people with SCI, with approximately 60% adapting well after injury and reporting a meaningful and fulfilling life.
3
Rehabilitation psychologists are crucial in addressing mental health concerns that may impede patients from achieving their rehabilitation goals.

Research Summary

This review highlights the importance of addressing mental health concerns during SCI rehabilitation. Untreated distress can negatively impact rehabilitation outcomes and overall quality of life. The article emphasizes the role of rehabilitation psychologists in supporting adaptation and treating mental health conditions. They also address health behaviors with sensitivity to individual value systems and cultural contexts. The review also notes the importance of interdisciplinary teams in rehabilitation. These teams can help address potential biases related to disability and suicidality, which can impact assessment and treatment.

Practical Implications

Improved Mental Health Screening

Rehabilitation healthcare professionals should be aware of common mental health concerns and symptoms associated with SCI and how to work with rehabilitation psychologists to optimize rehabilitation gains.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Encourages increased collaboration among psychology, psychiatry, and other rehabilitation team members to improve patient care and outcomes.

Addressing Disability Biases

Highlights the importance of healthcare providers recognizing and challenging their biases related to disability to ensure appropriate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.

Study Limitations

1
Access to psychologists and peer support following initial rehabilitation is often limited due to multiple barriers.
2
Many treatment centers are not physically accessible to PWD, limiting participation and engagement in these needed services.
3
Adherence to nutrition recommendations is not always sustained [45]. It is essential for providers to consider external factors that impact nutritional decisions for people with SCI.

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