Psychological needs of patients in low awareness states, their families, and health professionals

Abstract

Patients who have emerged from low awareness states may present with psychological needs that can be addressed via adapted formal clinical psychological interventions, or by behavioural techniques. Families of these patients may experience similar psychological reactions to relatives of any patients with severe brain injury, but there are also additional factors that are unique to patients in low awareness states. These sources of psychological distress for relatives are discussed. The needs of clinicians working with these clients are also discussed. It is important that services attending to the needs of clients in low awareness states also have adequate support for both relatives and clinicians.