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Evaluation of an intervention for apathy after traumatic brain injury: a multiple-baseline, single-case experimental
Amanda Lane-Brown1, Robyn Tate
1Rehabilitation Studies Unit, University of Sydney, and Royal Rehabilitation Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. amandal@med.usyd.edu.au
Background:
Apathy is diminished initiation, sustained activity, and concern about goal-directed behaviors. It occurs in between 46% and 71% of adults with traumatic brain injury and has widespread effects. Despite this, evidence for treatment of apathy is sparse, with no evidence for treatments aimed at sustaining activity toward goal-directed behavior.
Method:
A multiple-baseline, single-case experimental design evaluated a novel treatment for apathy in a 32-year-old man with traumatic brain injury. This treatment incorporated motivational interviewing and external compensation to increase sustained activity toward cumulative goals.
Results:
A specific treatment effect was demonstrated. Reliable Change Indices indicated a significant decrease in apathy that was maintained at 1-month follow-up.
Conclusion:
Treatment had a strong and specific effect on treated goal-directed activity and decreased apathy. The success of treatment was dependent on initiation as well as sustaining goal-directed activity.