Date Approved
10-21-2013
Date Posted
4-20-2014
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department or School
Special Education
Committee Member
Ana Claudia Harten, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Chair
Committee Member
Bill Cupples, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Committee Member
Sheila Bentrum, M.A., CCC-SLP
Abstract
Previous studies have associated traumatic brain injury (TBI) with higher rates of psychiatric disorders. This study investigated speech-language pathologists’ (SLPs) perspectives on the prevalence of co-occurring psychiatric disorders in the TBI population and its impact on speech-language treatment. Interviews were conducted with twelve SLPs working with a TBI population. Results revealed a lack of standard measures to assist SLPs in distinguishing between the symptoms of psychiatric disorders versus the neuropsychiatric symptoms of TBI. Also, results indicated the heavy reliance on a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive and individualized treatment for the TBI clientele, and the negative consequences of untreated psychiatric disorders on both the SLP’s presentation of treatment and the client’s response to treatment. The data presented here are a valuable source of information for SLPs anticipating field work with a TBI population, as they discuss clinical implications associated with the co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders in this population. The data also suggest directions for future research on the impact of psychiatric disorders on treatment for the TBI population.
Recommended Citation
Neal, Janis Whitney, "Impact of co-occurring psychiatric disorders and traumatic brain injury on speech-language treatment: Speech-language pathologists’ perspectives" (2013). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 545.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/545