Characteristics and neuropsychological impact of traumatic brain injury in female prisoners. (5th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Sullivan, Michelle; Fitzsimons, Steven; Ramos, Sara da Silva; Oddy, Michael; Sterr, Annette
• Is Part Of: Brain injury. Volume 35:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 81
• Publication Date: 2021-01-05
• Subjects: Acquired brain injury -- head injury -- women -- domestic abuse -- offending -- cognition; Brain damage -- Periodicals; Brain -- Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Brain Injuries -- Periodicals; 617.481
• DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2020.1858344
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9052

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective : To investigate the characteristics of head injury (HI) and its association with offending behaviour, psychological and neurobehavioral functioning, and cognitive performance in female prisoners. Methods : Using a cross-sectional design, female prisoners in the UK reporting a HI with a loss of consciousness (LOC) over ten minutes (n = 10) were compared with a group without a HI with LOC over ten minutes (n = 41) across a range of measures; including scores on standardized clinical questionnaires and performance-based cognitive assessments. Semi-structured clinical interviews assessed HI and forensic history, with forensic history triangulated against the prison database. Results : Domestic abuse was the most frequently reported cause of HI. The HI with LOC group had been to prison a greater number of times and had committed a greater number violent offences. No significant difference was found on self-reported psychological and neurobehavioral measures, or between the groups' cognitive functioning on neuropsychological tests. Conclusions : Psychosocial factors such as trauma may contribute to higher rates of violent offending and imprisonment in those with a HI with LOC. Domestic abuse is an important factor in HI amongst female prisoners. Forensic screening and interventions need to be designed, adapted and evaluated with consideration of trauma and HI.