An augmented cognitive behavioural therapy for treating post-stroke depression: description of a treatment protocol

Aim: Currently, no evidence-based treatment is available for mood problems after stroke. We present a new psychological intervention designed to reduce depressive complaints after stroke. Method of protocol development: This intervention was based on cognitive behavioural therapy principles and was...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical rehabilitation 2015-09, Vol.29 (9), p.833-843
Main Authors: Kootker, Joyce A, Rasquin, Sascha MC, Smits, Peter, Geurts, Alexander C, van Heugten, Caroline M, Fasotti, Luciano
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anxiety
Behavior modification
Clinical Protocols
Cognition & reasoning
Cognitive Therapy
Depressive Disorder - etiology
Depressive Disorder - therapy
Drug therapy
Health sciences
Humans
Intervention
Male
Mental depression
Motivational Interviewing
Occupational Therapy
Psychologists
Rehabilitation
Stroke
Stroke - psychology
Stroke Rehabilitation
Therapists
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Summary:Aim: Currently, no evidence-based treatment is available for mood problems after stroke. We present a new psychological intervention designed to reduce depressive complaints after stroke. Method of protocol development: This intervention was based on cognitive behavioural therapy principles and was shown feasible in a pilot study. In order to meet the specific needs of stroke patients (concerning both sensori-motor, cognitive, and behavioural problems), we incorporated motivational interviewing, grief resolution, and psycho-education. We emphasised for each session to take into account the cognitive deficits of the patients (i.e. be concrete, accessible, structured, specific, and repeat information). Moreover, we augmented the psychologist-administered therapy with the contribution of an occupational or movement therapist aimed at facilitating patients’ goal-setting and attainment. The intervention consisted of 12 one-hour sessions with a psychologist and three or four one-hour sessions with an occupational or movement therapist. Currently, the effectiveness of the intervention is evaluated in a randomised controlled trial. Discussion: The proposed psychological treatment protocol is innovative, as it applies cognitive behavioural therapy in a stroke-specific manner; moreover, it supports goal attainment by incorporating occupational or movement therapy sessions.
ISSN:0269-2155
1477-0873
DOI:10.1177/0269215514559987