Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussions are relatively common events, especially among young adults. While most people recover completely from concussions, 44%-64% of people with concussions develop persistent symptoms which can be difficult to manage and may have a significant impact on functioning and quality of life.
Anxiety has been identified as one factor contributing to the progression from acute to persistent mTBI symptoms. A new study from the Integrated Brain Health Clinical and Research Program at Mass General is developing a Toolkit for Optimal Recovery after Concussions (TOR-C), an innovative mind-body program aimed at preventing persistent symptoms among young adults with mTBI and comorbid anxiety.
During the first phase of this study, researchers will conduct individual, live video interviews with college-aged individuals who have experienced mTBI and have comorbid anxiety symptoms. This data will help to inform adaptation of this intervention and study procedures, which will later be tested in a pilot study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the TOR-C program. Ultimately the goal is to develop a program to help individuals cope with concussion and anxiety symptoms to facilitate their return to everyday activities.
More information on this study can be found HERE.
Read More:
Greenberg J, Singh T, Iverson GL, Silverberg ND, Macklin EA, Parker RA, Giacino JT, Yeh GY, Vranceanu AM. A Live Video Mind-Body Treatment to Prevent Persistent Symptoms Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Res Protoc. 2021 Jan 14;10(1):e25746.
Jonathan Greenberg, PhD is a research staff psychologist at the Integrated Brain Health Clinical and Research Program (IBHCRP) within the Department of Psychiatry at MGH. His work primarily focuses on developing mind-body interventions for various clinical populations, including chronic pain and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). He also examines the cognitive, affective, and neural effects of mindfulness-based training/practices, in addition to the mechanisms that underlying their efficacy in 1) treating and preventing depression and anxiety, 2) enhancing cognitive functioning, and 3) improving emotion regulation and promoting well-being.
Publications: Harvard Catalyst | PubMed | ResearchGate
