Reflections on the treatment of brain-injured patients suffering from problem-solving disorders

Abstract

We present a training programme for brain-injured patients with impaired problem-solving abilities, which combines techniques of cognitive remediation and behavioural modification. We first discuss criteria for the selection and exclusion of patients with various associated neuropsychological deficits, indications for individual and group therapy, as well as type and structure of the problem-solving tasks used. We then describe the repertoire of treatment techniques and our approach to the modification of several behavioural deficits that frequently occur in these patients and definitely interfere with successful problem-solving activities. Considerable attention is given to the presentation how various metacomponents of intelligence and some aspects of divergent thinking (particularly the generation of ideas) can be furthered.