Comparison of Difficulties in Emotional Regulations of Patients with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Normal Controls

Abstract

Background: Many individuals with traumatic brain injury experience difficulties with social behavior, some of which are attributed to<br /> difficulties in regulation of emotions. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the difficulties in emotional regulations of patients<br /> with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and normal controls. Patients and Methods: In this cohort study, 72 patients with MTBI and<br /> 72 normal controls with similar gender were selected. Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and Positive and Negative Affect<br /> Schedule (PANAS) questionnaires were completed for both the study groups at the beginning of the study and 6 months later. The data were<br /> analyzed using multiple linear regression, Chi‑square, and paired t‑test. Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference<br /> between MTBI patients and normal controls in all subscales 6 months after MTBI, and in the total score of DERS, except for the nonaccepted<br /> scale and PANAS (P = 0.001), in which no significant difference was observed. In addition, the results of multivariate regression showed<br /> that trauma (β = 0.493), age (β = −0.196), familial history of mental disorders (β = −0.185), and financial status could predict emotional<br /> regulation (β = 0.148). Conclusions: It seems that mild traumatic brain injuries may be the cause of problems in social behaviors.