Sensory Processing Disorders: A Literature Review

For the sake of this literature review as it pertains to my current clinical interest I have adapted my initial week one hypothesis as you see below. I hope you enjoy reading!
Research shows a high prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance abuse (behavioral health) disorders amongst U.S. veterans. Several studies clarify the symptomatic relationship between these groups to further support the best decision in clinical treatment for this population. Sensory processing deficits are evident amongst individuals with mild TBI and co-occurring PTSD, and depression, which contributes to limitations in functional abilities. A sensory modulation program, including mindfulness groups,

In a research article by Sours, George, Shuo, Roys, & Gullapalli (2015), the functional connectivity and metabolic integrity of the thalamus was measured post-acute civilian TBI to determine the severity of post concussive symptoms. The hypothesis is supported by the idea that axonal and shearing injuries caused during a TBI alters functional communication with neural circuits including in the brains relay center for sensory information, the thalamus. The sample consisted of 77 mTBI patients recruited from a trauma center at the University of Maryland. Inclusion criteria included a loss of conscious and/or amnesia or facial trauma consistent with TBI. Measurements included the Mini Mental State Exam, the Military Acute Concussion Evaluatin, and the Modified Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms

This next study by Sours, George, Zhuo, Roys, Gullapalli (2015) highlights how the overlap of disorders can worsen the primary diagnosis. Researchers use this study to portray how, clinically, patients can be approached regarding their symptom reporting. This was a retrospective chart review of 402 veterans in a span of two years, with an ultimate inclusion of 287 who had mental health screenings for PTSD, depression, and alcohol abuse. Those veterans having reported positive TBI characteristics presented with symptoms significant in irritability, sleep difficulties, and headaches. Veterans screening positive for PTSD showed symptoms with effect sizes larger in cognition and affect. Similarly, veterans screened for depression showed greater effect sizes in symptoms related to cognition and affect. Alcoholism was not significantly associated with post-concussion symptoms. Conversely, those veterans who did not report co-occurring disorders resulted in lower scores in the domains of somatic, sensory, cognitive, and affective symptoms. It is clear that the presence of one or more of the co-occurring conditions increases symptoms related to a TBI. Authors follow-up with a case study highlighting the functional deficits inherent in an individual with the mentioned