Depression, Anxiety, and Stress After Acquired Brain Injury: The Role of Cognitive Reserve in Patients and Caregivers ’Symptoms

Objectives Severe acquired brain injury (sABI) can impact the psychological health not only in patients, but also in their caregivers. The present study was aimed at examining depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in patients with sABI and in their caregivers, exploring differences and correlations between the two, and investigating the role of cognitive reserve as potential predictor of patients and caregiver’s psychological wellbeing. Methods Fifty-four individuals (27 patients-caregiver’s dyads) took part in the present study. All patients had a severe injury and data were collected approximately five years post-injury. During a telemedicine assessment, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI) and the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq) were administered. Results Results show higher levels of anxiety and perceived stress in caregivers, when compared with patients. Significant associations emerged between patients and caregivers’ symptoms of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, cognitive reserve emerged as a significant modulator of caregivers’ emotional burden and depressive symptoms. Conclusion Findings highlight the interconnection between patients’ and caregivers’ psychological wellbeing and suggest that cognitive reserve might be considered a predictor of caregivers’ mental health.