While agitation has been recognized as a significant
barrier to rehabilitation efforts, there has been little systematic study
of its long-term effects on outcome following brain injury. Information
about the relationship between agitation and outcomes can assist in decisions
regarding the choice of interventions to be used. Some preliminary studies
have suggested an association between agitation and functional status
at discharge and follow-up, however methodological constraints have limited
the conclusions that might be drawn from these studies. The current study
analyzes the predictive power of agitation and potential mediating variables
for outcomes at discharge and one year later.