Modifiable Barriers to Assessment and Rehabilitation in Justice-Involved Individuals with Self-Reported TBI: The Role of Subjective Sleepiness and Mood

Background/Objectives: Sleep problems, cognitive deficits, and mood disorders are prevalent in justice-involved populations, especially among individuals with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), though the association between these variables remains understudied. This retrospective study examined the relationship between subjective sleepiness and mood state on neuropsychological functioning in a forensic population with self-reported TBI. Methods: Data were obtained from 419 inmates and probationers with a self-reported history of TBI using the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method and Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM). Multiple linear regression models examined associations between cognitive performance across domains (i.e., reaction time, learning, attention, processing speed, working memory, delayed memory, and inhibition) and subjective sleepiness and mood states (i.e., depression, anxiety, fatigue, restlessness, anger, happiness, and vigor) measured by self-report scales embedded in the ANAM. Results: Negative mood state was most associated with impaired performance on tests of learning, delayed memory, spatial working memory, and reaction time, as well as global neurocognitive test performance. Subjective sleepiness was predictive of poorer performance on reaction time tasks, while positive mood states were related to better performance on the same task. Regression models were statistically significant (p < 0.05), with subjective sleepiness and mood accounting for approximately 1–5% of the variance in cognitive performance. Conclusions: Subjective sleepiness and mood symptoms are significantly related to cognitive performance among justice-involved individuals with self-reported TBI. While these factors can contribute to the need for rehabilitation, they may also reduce the likelihood of successful engagement. Importantly, both sleepiness and mood are modifiable treatment targets, and adapting interventions to accommodate cognitive inefficiencies can improve engagement and overall treatment benefit.