Affective and Cognitive Correlates of Interpersonal Dependency in Neurologic Populations

This project investigates the relationships between some of the interpersonal traits and neuropsychological functions which are observed to deviate following brain insult, with a focus on patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. More specifically, this study investigated the associations of interpersonal dependency with anxiety, depression, and executive function (due to their documented relationship to the temporal lobe and their subservience as simple, direct measures of quality of life) following assorted brain insults. Results displayed strong associations and comorbidity between these traits, yet no strong predictive or causal evidence, leading us to reaffirm the concept of the Temporolimbic Personality, as described in separate studies by Aycicegi-Dinn and Trimble, which suggests that these traits coexist in a psychopathologic web of symptoms. Results also showed the efficacy of the temporal lobectomy in curtailing the progressive deterioration of function within these behavioral domains. Within the context of clinical neuropsychological populations, this study provided strong evidence of relationships between these characteristics. Thus, findings suggested that interpersonal dependency should be studied as an area of focus in therapy and interventions to improve the quality of life of neurologic populations.