Training to improve emotion communication in veterans with brain injury and PTSD
Innovative Multimodal and Attention Training to Improve Emotion Communication in Veterans With TBI and PTSD
This study is testing a new training program to help veterans with brain injuries and PTSD better recognize emotions in others so they can improve their relationships and daily life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Gainesville, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT05478759 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to address the deficits in emotion recognition commonly found in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It will utilize a combination of multimodal affect recognition training and attention training to enhance the ability to recognize emotions, which is crucial for improving interpersonal relationships and daily functioning. The intervention includes training on both facial and vocal emotion recognition, along with workshops and engaging content like National Geographic movies. The effectiveness of this approach will be evaluated through a randomized controlled trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans diagnosed with mild TBI and PTSD who exhibit deficits in emotion recognition and attention.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or chronic medical or neurological diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance emotional communication skills in veterans, leading to improved relationships and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been preliminary studies showing promise in similar approaches, this specific combination of training modalities in veterans is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veterans with a diagnosis of mTBI and PTSD based on VA/Department of Defense guidelines. * Emotion recognition deficit * Attention deficit * Corrected vision within normal limits * Hearing within normal limits * Fluent in English Exclusion Criteria: * premorbid history of schizophrenia * bipolar disorder * chronic medical or neurological diseases
Where this trial is running
Gainesville, Florida
- North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL — Gainesville, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Julia K. Waid-Ebbs, PhD — North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL
- Study coordinator: Julia K Waid-Ebbs, PhD
- Email: Julia.Waid-Ebbs@va.gov
- Phone: (352) 376-1611
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.