Which of the following describes long-term emotional and psychosocial impairments after TBI?

• A. Depression, anxiety, emotional lability, reduced stress tolerance, social withdrawal, altered self-identity, and difficulty maintaining relationships.
• B. Heightened confidence
• C. Perfect emotional stability
• D. Increased energy

Answer: (C)

Emotional and psychosocial outcomes after a traumatic brain injury often persist long term and involve mood, stress tolerance, social interaction, and sense of self. The typical pattern includes depression, anxiety, emotional lability (rapid mood changes), reduced ability to tolerate stress, social withdrawal, changes in identity or self-concept, and difficulty maintaining relationships. This cluster specifically describes long-lasting emotional and social challenges that can follow TBI and may require ongoing psychological and social support. The other options describe improvements or stability (heightened confidence, perfect emotional stability, increased energy) and do not reflect impairments, so they don’t fit the scenario described.