A conceptual model of irritability following traumatic brain injury: A qualitative, participatory research study

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Study examined the experience (thoughts and feelings) of irritability from the perspectives of multiple people living with or affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI), and developed a conceptual model of TBI irritability. Forty-four stakeholders (individuals with a history of TBI, family members, community professionals, healthcare providers, and researchers) were divided into 5 focus groups. Each group met 10 times to discuss the experience of irritability following TBI. Data were coded using grounded theory to develop themes, metacodes, and theories. A conceptual model emerged in which irritability has 5 dimensions: (1) affective (related to moods and feelings); (2) behavioral (especially in areas of self-regulation, impulse control, and time management); (3) cognitive-perceptual (self-talk and ways of seeing the world); (4) relational issues (interpersonal and family dynamics); and (5) environmental (including environmental stimuli, change, disruptions in routine, and cultural expectations). This multidimensional model provides a framework for assessment, treatment, and future research aimed at better understanding irritability, as well as the development of assessment tools and treatment interventions.

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