Extinction of fear after acquired brain injury

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: Recruiting

Sex: Not specified

Target Recruitment: 70

Inclusion Criteria

Potential participants are selected from a ambulant patient population that are
following standard outpatient clinical care within the *Zorgpad Affectief*, one
of our care pathways, that is composed of multidisciplinary treatment for
anxiety and/or depression symptoms using CBT (standard, or adapted to cognitive
problems) in which cognitive, behavioural and exposure techniques are used. A
multidisciplinary team in which a neurologist and/or a psychiatrist
participates indicate whether participants are regarded to be cognitive,
intellectually and physically fit enough to profit from CBT. Patients in this
treatment program are therefore regarded to be fully able to provide informed
consent and be eligible to participate in the current study. The outpatients
that receive care at this clinic typically have light to moderate brain damage
in a chronic phase and are medically and neurologically stable, have mild to
moderate cognitive dysfunction, are independent in terms of activities of daily
living or receive some sort of coaching, but with persistent psychological
symptoms that are difficult to alleviate. No further criteria are set for the
severity of the symptoms.

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, a subject must meet all
of the following criteria: age 18-65 years, with acquired brain injury (chronic
phase) and anxiety and/or depression symptoms, that are selected for CBT by a
multidisciplinary team as part of standard care typically for Thalamus
specialized mental care outpatient clinic (Pro Persona Wolfheze).

Exclusion Criteria

A potential subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded
from participation in this study: severe comorbidity (diagnosed with severe
chronic depression, bipolar disorder and/or psychosis) or substance abuse
disorder, hearing problems and inability to read or speak Dutch. Medication,
age, gender and diagnosis are used as cofounders for the analysis.

Study & Design

Study Type: Observational non invasive

Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
<p>The main study parameters are 1) the proportion of patients with ABI who are<br /><br>classified into the dysfunctional poor extinction class, that is hypothesized<br /><br>to be at least similar or potentially larger to the proportion in an anxiety<br /><br>disordered population, and significantly different from a healthy population,<br /><br>both derived from previous studies. 2) the association between the extinction<br /><br>class membership and executive strength, or, a composite score of cognitive<br /><br>switching, updating and inhibition.</p><br>

Secondary Outcome Measures