Cognitive-based Psychotherapy for People with Traumatic Brain Injury
Objective:
This study aims to assess the efficacy of a cognitive-based psychotherapy programme with clients who have sustatined a traumatic brain injury (TBI). For people with TBI it is often the emotional and behavioural changes that form the greatest barriers to reintegration into society. Psychotherapy is an intervention that can alleviate distress in these areas. It can also assist with providing education about the injury and its consequences and by encouraging participation in rehabilitation activities. There is, however, a lack of controlled studies specifically aimed at demonstrating the efficacy of psychotherapeutic techniques with a TBI population. Cognitive-based psychotherapy programmes have been shown to be effective in reducing distress arising from anxiety and depressive disorders. This study will assess the effectiveness of cognitive-based psychotherapy adapted to the individual needs of people with TBI.
Method:
A manual has been prepared for cognitive psychotherapy for people with TBI based on techniques shown to be effective with non-injured populations. This manual has been reviewed and adjusted according to suggestions made by clinicians working with people with neurological conditions. The next step in this research is to assess the effectiveness of this programme. This study will employ a multiple-baseline across participants' design, which will allow for meaningful results from a small number of psrticipants and will allow for interpretation of individual results. Participants will be recruited from the Massey University Psychology Clinics (Wellington and Turitea). The study aims to recruit between 6 and 12 participants. Outcome measures will include the Patient Competency Rating Scale (PCRS), and the Leeds Scales of Depression and Anxiety.
Results and Conclusions:
Preliminary results and conclusions from the implementation of the psychotherapy programme will be presented at this conference.