Psychoeducation As Intervention in Complex Concussion Cases: Profile of an Adolescent Patient

Recent literature has demonstrated the importance of the neuropsychologist in the treatment and management of persisting symptoms of concussions (Connery et al., Connery et al., Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics 27:475–486, 2016; Patricios et al., 2023), though specific evidence on the efficacy of psychoeducation alone as a form of intervention for post-concussion management is yet to be conclusively demonstrated (Kamba and Plourde, Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology 37:568–582, 2022). We present novel data collected from an immigrant, Hispanic, bilingual, 17-year-old patient with a history of depression and anxiety living in a rural town in the southern United States presenting with persisting symptoms 3 months following a sports concussion. The patient was highly symptomatic upon presentation but results from a targeted neuropsychological evaluation revealed no significant attention, processing speed, or learning/memory concerns relative to pre-injury expectations when cultural and linguistic factors were considered. Psychoeducation regarding concussion recovery expectations and treatment recommendations for depression and anxiety were given to the family and they were provided time to ask questions and problem-solve with the neuropsychologist. Follow-up in a multidisciplinary clinic seven weeks later evidenced a complete reduction in concussion symptoms, as well as a decrease in depression symptoms, and a return to normal daily functioning. Mild anxiety symptoms were still present, though unrelated to the concussion and consistent with pre-injury anxious difficulties. The outcome of this case supports the efficacy of psychoeducation as a form of intervention, particularly for patients with a complex concussion presentation and risk factors related to social determinants of health.