Rehabilitation of the emotional problems of brain disorders in developing countries

Abstract

Emotional and behavioural problems of people with brain disorders are major undertreated problems in developing countries. These can be addressed by training lay volunteers in community-based rehabilitation. Training and pro gramme implementation must be highly sensitive to local conditions. Basic concepts that can be trained in such conditions include case finding, triage, evaluation skills, emotional rehabilitation, restoration and compensation strategies, the continuum of responsibility, the zone of recovery, scaffolding, adjusting the person-environment fit, awareness of deficits, setting goals, communicating with others about the disability, disability rights, support groups, and circles of support.