Control Anchors: Assisting Patients in Concussion Recovery Management with Psychotherapeutic Intervention

Abstract

Objective

Research has indicated that anxiety and past psychiatric history have been associated with higher reporting of post-concussion symptoms. While sport-related concussion is a significant concern for all participants, children are at an increased risk for prolonged symptoms. In children and adolescents, concussions often trigger emotional dysregulation, anxiety and somatic complaints related to concussion. Without psychotherapeutic intervention to address these needs, patients may be susceptible to increased recovery time, school absenteeism and decreased psychological well-being.

Design

The current study is a brief report on three adolescent male athletes (ages 12–17) treated for post-concussion syndrome utilizing traditional care (e.g., medical care, neuropsychological assessment) and individual cognitive psychotherapy. The authors utilized “Control Anchors,” the term developed for assisting patients in developing awareness of the control they have in recovery management, specifically in regards to the psychological difficulties following injury.

Results

Following psychotherapeutic intervention, patient reports indicated reductions in endorsement of anxiety and physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, visual disturbances). Shifting an individual’s automatic thoughts away from somatic symptoms and toward recovery is considered beneficial for both psychological and physical complaints following concussion.

Conclusions

Implications for treatment of post-concussion syndrome are provided including reduced recovery time and increased overall well-being as well as future directions for treatment and research with concussion patients.