Sense of inhibition

Inhibition makes us think twice before we do something. Sometimes saying what we really think, or doing what we want to do, can be hurtful to others or can get us into trouble or situations we would rather not be in. Hurting your brain can sometimes stop you from thinking twice. This is called disinhibition.

Disinhibition can be a bit of shock for friends and family as it can affect many parts of your behaviour. It is important to remember that no-one is disinhibited on purpose, it is all part of the ABI.

Disinhibition can affect many people with an ABI so you are not alone. It is also important to remember, if you do have any of these behaviours, you are not to blame. Some people may be a bit puzzled because they can’t see from the outside that you have hurt your brain.

Those who care for you will know that is just part of you trying to adjust after an ABI. Here are some of the problems that disinhibition may cause, remember not all of them will affect you. Sometimes there can be very small changes so that you aren’t really that aware you are different.

• Short attention span.
• Feeling extremely tired, this is called fatigue
• Frustration
• Maybe you lost some of your ‘get up and go’ called initiative
• Wanting to have things your own way all the time
• Not thinking things through or being impulsive
• Increased irritability
• Temper tantrums
• Being argumentative
• Socially inappropriate behaviour
• Sexually inappropriate behaviour
• Difficulty making friends and socialising
• Using drugs and alcohol.