An evaluation of anti-social behaviour in children afetr traumatic brain injury - prospects for improving the quality of life in rehabilitation

Abstract

Introduction and objective. The aim of the article is to present the consequences of traumatic brain injury in children, associated with general cognition and behavioural disorders, mainly of the anti-social type. Materials and method. A total of 20 school-age children took part in the study – 6 girls and 14 boys; average age of the children – 13.35 years (standard deviation SD = 1.95). The research instruments included an analysis of documentation, a structured clinical interview, MMSE and Frontal Behavioral Inventory (FBInv) with an additional set of 5 supplementary questions directed at the detection of anti-social behaviour. Results. The functioning of the children with traumatic brain injury is severely disrupted because of the presence of cognitive impairment; however, dementia was not manifested. In a significant number of the children with traumatic brain injury, not only frontal syndrome was found, but also the occurrence of anti-social behaviour. The most commonly reported behavioural problems were: disorganization, commonly referred to as laziness, hypersensitivity, and anxiety. The most common types of anti-social behaviours were: impulsivity, physical and verbal aggression, as well as outbursts of anger. Conclusions. The children with traumatic brain injury suffer from cognitive disorders and behavioural problems, especially impulsivity, physical and verbal aggression, increased anxiety, and disorganization. The occurrence of frontal syndrome is related to the development of anti-social behaviour.