It is becoming increasingly clear in longitudinal studies after traumatic brain injury that behavioral and social deficits follow a longer, more complex pattern of change compared with physical and cognitive deficits. Therefore, it is critical to adequately understand the common types of psychosocial and behavioral disabilities frequently seen after brain injury. Unfortunately, this is not always easy to accomplish. It is not an exhaustive list, but one which covers some of the more common types one may experience. Financial losses may be insurmountable because of expensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Losses sometimes involve the death of loved ones from the same accident.
Even guilt over the circumstances surrounding the accident may be contributing to grief and despair. To cope with these depressive feelings, the individual with ABI may withdraw and become isolated. Conversely, previous friends or family members may reject him or her because things are not the same. The person may tend to anticipate rejection or failure and avoid situations in order to avoid emotional pain. Unfortunately, withdrawal and depression can lessen a person's rehabilitation potential because they restrict social and cognitive interaction with the environment.