Emotional Awareness Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury

(TREAT Trial)

This trial explores how two different training programs, TREAT-A and TREAT-B, can improve emotional health in individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TREAT-A focuses on recognizing and labeling emotions, while TREAT-B teaches healthy living habits. Individuals with a moderate or severe TBI for at least six months who struggle to identify their emotions (a condition called alexithymia) may qualify to participate. Participants will attend eight one-on-one sessions over a month and complete several assessments to track progress. The study aims to enhance emotional well-being for those with TBI. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding new ways to improve emotional health after TBI.

The trial requires that any medications affecting mood should be stable for at least 6 weeks before participating. If your medications have been stable for this period, you likely won't need to stop taking them.

Research has shown that treatments designed to boost emotional awareness and well-being after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are generally safe. For TREAT-A, studies found that participants often experience significant improvements in understanding their emotions, with no major safety issues. Specifically, 46% of participants noticed a positive change in their emotional awareness immediately after the treatment, and 62% reported better control over their emotions, indicating that the treatment is well-tolerated.

TREAT-B focuses on educating people about TBI and overall brain health. Similar educational programs have proven safe and are widely used without causing serious side effects. Participants in these programs usually report feeling better overall.

Unlike traditional treatments for traumatic brain injury that often focus on physical rehabilitation or medication management, Emotional Awareness Therapy (TREAT-A) targets emotional processing difficulties, specifically alexithymia. This therapy is unique because it involves psycho-educational lessons and skill-building exercises that help participants recognize and differentiate their emotions, which is a new approach for managing the emotional challenges associated with traumatic brain injury. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it aims to enhance emotional awareness, potentially leading to improved emotional health and overall well-being for individuals affected by traumatic brain injuries.

Research has shown that TREAT-A, a type of Emotional Awareness Therapy, benefits people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Studies indicate it reduces difficulties in identifying and expressing emotions and helps manage emotional challenges in those with long-term TBI. In one study, 46% of participants showed improved emotional awareness immediately after the treatment, and 62% experienced benefits later on. This therapy teaches individuals to recognize and name their emotions, enhancing emotional well-being. In this trial, participants may receive either TREAT-A or TREAT-B. TREAT-B provides education about TBI and promotes healthy living, which also supports overall well-being and emotional health.¹²³⁵⁶