An acceptance and commitment therapy-based intervention for PTSD following traumatic brain injury: a case study

Introduction: A case study is presented to illustrate the management of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the context of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), using an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) based approach. A 48-year-old female presented to Neuropsychology with cognitive difficulties, significant distress and trauma symptoms following a car accident. ACT is a third wave cognitive-behavioral approach aimed at increasing psychological flexibility as a means of reducing distress: it is a trans-diagnostic model that may be suited to the complex and multi-factorial difficulties experienced by this client group.Methods: A guided self-help approach based on ACT was implemented by the client working with a Clinical Psychologist within a Community Neuropsychology service, over 12 appointments.Results: Outcome measures were administered pre and post-intervention as well as at three and then 12-month follow-ups. Improvements were seen across ACT outcome measures, psychological measures and quality of life ratings and were consistent with subjective reporting.Discussion: Outcomes were positive in all domains post-intervention and at follow-up, indicating that this may be a feasible intervention for PTSD following TBI.