CITATION
Gandy, M., Karin, E., Fogliati, V., Meares, S., Nielssen, O., Titov, N., & Dear, B. (2018). Emotional and cognitive difficulties, help-seeking, and barriers to treatment in neurological disorders. Rehabilitation Psychology, 63 (4), 563-574.
SUMMARY
An online survey was sent to individuals with a range of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, brain injury, epilepsy, and stroke. The survey included five sections which were demographics; a health rating scale; a mental health and wellbeing questionnaire; help-seeking for emotional difficulties; help-seeking of cognitive difficulties; and a question about interest in online interventions. Respondents indicated high levels of psychological distress with individuals who have traumatic brain injury reporting the poorest outcomes. The primary perceived barriers to accessing help included structural barriers (e.g., lack of resources, lack of available services), attitudinal barriers (e.g., I do not think my symptoms were severe enough; I do not understand what would be involved with treatment). Interestingly, those surveyed reported a high rate of interest in accessing online self-management interventions.
I PICKED THIS ARTICLE BECAUSE all rehabilitation strategy development needs to be informed by input from the needs and concerns of individuals being served, especially an analysis of barriers to treatment.
THIS MONTH’S REHAB SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT was selected by Sarah A. Raskin, Ph.D. ABPP/ABCN, Professor of the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program
at Trinity College and a member of Division 22’s Science Committee.