Personality disturbances associated with traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Personality disturbances associated with traumatic brain injury are reviewed. The varied structural pathology of the brain in this patient group makes it difficult to specify how different brain lesions may result in specific emotional and motivational disturbances. However, an attempt to clarify terms and review empirical findings is made. Longitudinal prospective studies that utilize appropriate control groups are needed. Future research may especially benefit by considering the long-term effects of early agitation following traumatic brain injury as well as the problem of aspontaneity and impairment of self-awareness.