[Behavioral rehabilitation of nonspecific symptoms occuring after craniocerbral trauma (author's transl)].
The purpose of this study was to develop a behavioral rehabilitation program for patients with long-term nonspecific symptoms following craniocerebral trauma. In 47 patients we analyzed symptoms typical of "illness behavior" (e.g. complaining tendency, depression, irritability, psychosomatic pain, problems in job performance and social interaction) as possible targets for behavior modification. We then developed a behavioral training program to teach the patients various techniques of self-control (relaxation, desensitization, self-image training, analysis and control of illness behavior, assertiveness, performance techniques), our program being based on studies in the U.S.A. using similar approaches. For a preliminary testing two groups of 8 and 6 patients each were treated by different therapists. The patients worked through a section of the program manual prior to each group session. During the sessions proper (a total of 8 weekly two-hour sessions) the different techniques were practiced under the therapist's supervistion. In both groups a significant reduction in illness behavior as indicated on questionnaires and in 3-month follow-up was found. These encouraging results need to be further substantiated by controlled outcome studies.
[Behavioral rehabilitation of nonspecific symptoms occuring after craniocerbral trauma (author's transl)]. The purpose of this study was to develop a behavioral rehabilitation program for patients with long-term nonspecific symptoms following craniocerebral trauma. In 47 patients we analyzed symptoms typical of "illness behavior" (e.g. complaining tendency, depression, irritability, psychosomatic pain, problems in job performance and social interaction) as possible targets for behavior modification. We then developed a behavioral training program to teach the patients various techniques of self-control (relaxation, desensitization, self-image training, analysis and control of illness behavior, assertiveness, performance techniques), our program being based on studies in the U.S.A. using similar approaches. For a preliminary testing two groups of 8 and 6 patients each were treated by different therapists. The patients worked through a section of the program manual prior to each group session. During the sessions proper (a total of 8 weekly two-hour sessions) the different techniques were practiced under the therapist's supervistion. In both groups a significant reduction in illness behavior as indicated on questionnaires and in 3-month follow-up was found. These encouraging results need to be further substantiated by controlled outcome studies.