Overview
The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated therapeutic model - combining VR and standard psychotherapy in improving executive function and hyperarousal adults impacted with mTBI. Specifically, the study will: Evaluate PTSD Symptom Reduction - PTSD symptoms, specifically hyperarousal and hypervigilance will be assessed using the Davidson Trauma Scale, which will provide insight into improvements PTSD symptom reduction.
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria:
- History of one or more concussions.
- Presence of mild-to-moderate PTSD symptoms, defined as a score between 20 and 44 on the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS), indicating clinically relevant but not severe symptomatology (Davidson et al., 1997).
- Prior or ongoing therapy, defined as current or recent (within the last 3 months) engagement in standard care treatments such as psychiatric medication management, and evidence-based psychotherapy targeting mTBI or PTSD symptoms.
- Prior U.S military service (any duration and any branch) is required for eligibility.
Exclusion criteria:
- Age over 55 to reduce confounding effects of age-related neurodegeneration and cognitive decline.
- Diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).
- Active substance abuse.
- Presence of unrelated neurological conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, seizure disorders, or neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's).
- Significant cognitive impairment, assessed by standardized cognitive screening, which would interfere with the ability to participate fully in VR and therapy sessions.
- Physical impairments that would prevent safe engagement in VR and therapy.
