Learn about the latest research projects our students are undertaking as part of their PhD studies. Students were invited to do a 10 minute presentation on their research in the Student Showcase competition, we are pleased to share some of these presentations. To see more presentations, check the Student research category on the blog sidebar.
Aphasia CRE Student Showcase 2021 presentation by Monash University PhD Candidate, Priscilla Tjokrowijoto on ADaPT: Aphasia, Depression, and Psychological Treatment. Modified cognitive behavioural therapy to treat depression in stroke survivors with aphasia.
Background: Post-stroke depression is common and one of the strongest predictors of reduced quality of life. Limited research on psychological treatments have indicated that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be efficacious in treating depressive symptoms. However, individuals with aphasia are often excluded from these intervention trials. It is also unclear whether CBT, which is predominantly a talk-based psychotherapy, can be successfully modified for use in stroke survivors with aphasia.
Aims: To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a modified and individually tailored CBT intervention in reducing depressive symptoms in individuals with aphasia secondary to stroke.
Methods: A manualised CBT regimen has been developed by an experienced clinical neuropsychologist and reviewed by the team including an experienced clinical psychologist and speech pathologist. A series of nine case studies will be conducted, using A-B with follow-up design and randomised multiple baselines (2.5, 4.5, or 6.5 weeks). Participants will attend 10 intervention sessions over four months, with a four-week follow-up phase.
Results: Outcome measures of mood are administered twice per week across all study phases, to participants and their close others. Treatment evaluation will involve a combination of structured visual analysis and quantitative analysis across phases (Tau-U) with planned comparisons between adjacent conditions. Sessions are video recorded to assess treatment fidelity. Qualitative interviews of participants will assess feasibility and support intervention development.
Discussion: This study will help inform future research and clinical practice, and contribute to best practice standards in stroke rehabilitation and care. Challenges and progress to date will be discussed.