REhabilitation of MEMory Symptoms After BRain Concussion

REhabilitation of MEMory Symptoms After BRain Concussion

Persistent memory symptoms after concussion are common, and likely perpetuated by unhelpful illness beliefs and coping behaviors. Results from a pilot study suggested that traditional cognitive rehabilitation and a novel cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol were both associated with improvements in subjective memory functioning. The present study will more definitively compare the effectiveness of these interventions for improving subjective memory functioning after concussion.

The primary research aims of this study are to determine whether cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and cognitive compensatory strategy training (CCST) improves subjective memory functioning compared to usual care, and to compare the effectiveness of CBT and CCST. This study is a multisite three-armed randomized control trial (RCT) that will randomize adults with persistent memory symptoms following concussion to CBT, CCST, or a covert waitlist condition (2:2:1). Participants will be blinded to the other arms of the study and the study hypotheses.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18-59
2. Concussion diagnosis confirmed with structured interview based on American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine diagnostic criteria
3. Concussion occurred between 6 and 36 months before enrollment
4. Ongoing memory concerns
5. Fluent in English
6. Stable access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet capability

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Fail performance validity testing
2. Comorbid psychiatric or neurological disorder or is taking a medication that could fully account for their memory symptoms