The Impact of Disorder of Consciousness on Family and Caregiver Burden

Abstract

Delirium, also known as disorder of consciousness, is a commonly under recognized disorder which may occur due to severe brain damage.¹ It leads to a change in the state of consciousness of an individual, as well as a change in cognition which develops acutely.² Caregivers perceive the suffering and burden from patients with delirium, which can lead to psychological distress; this includes anxiety, depression, and various forms of physical illness. Families are impacted by patients with a consciousness disorder due to several biopsychosocial factors, and researchers have begun to explore the interaction between caregiver burden and family dynamics. Their findings suggest that family structure is not affected by traumatic brain injury causing delirium. Correlations of cohesion and flexibility with burden suggests that a traumatic event does not affect family structure. Distress can be controlled in family systems, posing hope for future generations of families impacted by psychological disorders.