Self-awareness following acquired brain injury is linked with depression and executive function

The current study aimed to examine the potential relationship between self-awareness, executive function and depression in post-acute acquired brain injury. 25 participants prospectively recruited from a community brain injury rehabilitation service completed the Awareness Questionnaire (AQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Trail Making Task (TMT) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Each participant’s treating clinician also completed the Awareness Questionnaire (clinician form) for comparison. Hierarchical multiple regression revealed that depression (HADS) and set shifting (TMT) were significant predictors of level of self-awareness (AQ) following acquired brain injury. Contrary to previous research, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test was not predictive of self-awareness. Consistent with previous research, reduced self-awareness appears to be protective against symptoms of depression even after the acute stages of recovery. Clinical implications include the importance of monitoring levels of self-awareness even in post-acute ABI, including neuropsychological and psychological factors that might be contributing to and maintaining varying levels of self-awareness.