Behavioral Activation Augmented With Mobile Technology for Depression and Anxiety in Chronic Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

No results are reported, so this protocol does not show whether either treatment helps. The planned sample is 60 participants, with 40 assigned to behavioral activation and 20 to the text-message condition. The plan to combine data from two trials may bias comparisons because historical factors, different cohorts, and different therapists are involved. The behavioral activation arm includes 8 sessions, app prompts, and texts, while the comparison arm includes 1 face-to-face session, 1 telephone session, and 8 weeks of texts, so differences may reflect amount or components of treatment. Participants must be able to use a smartphone and travel independently, so people with severe sensorimotor, cognitive, communication, or mobility limitations are excluded. People with very severe depression or anxiety, substance dependence, suicidal ideation, or serious mental illness are excluded.

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Do not read this protocol as evidence that mobile behavioral activation improves mood or participation after traumatic brain injury. No outcomes are reported, and the behavioral activation arm includes 8 sessions, app prompts, and texts, while the comparison arm includes 1 face-to-face session, 1 telephone session, and 8 weeks of texts.