Prevalence and Interventions for Behavioral Pathology in Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Spinal cord injury (SCI) represents a significant life event for an individual, encompassing physiological, psychological, and social changes. The potentially traumatic or distressing nature of acquiring an SCI and the associated life changes that ensue following an injury can increase the risk of mental health concerns. This review aimed at identifying prevalence of behavioral pathologies and interventions following SCI across the world. To identify the articles of interest for this review, the search was narrowed by using the combination of search terms as follows: “Spinal Cord Injury”, “Depression,” “Anxiety,” “Psychological Impact,” “Quality of life,” and “Sexual dysfunction.” Prevalence of depression and anxiety was noted to be in the range of 7 to 47.7%. SCI patients were also commonly seen to be associated with sexual dysfunction. The pharmacological interventions included drugs such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors like sildenafil and tadalafil, whereas certain studies also mentioned a few devices like the penile vibratory stimulation and electroejaculation and vacuum erection devices. Apart from empowering and educating healthcare providers, neuromodulation has been shown to be an efficient treatment. Patients with SCIs have a suicide rate that is two to six times greater than that of general population. Effects of mindfulness on functional limitation and quality of life were promising. Guided Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy showed improvement in depression and anxiety symptoms with appreciable adherence to therapy programs. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy showed improvement in depressed SCI patients.