# Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Depression in Patients with Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

> **NIH NIH K23** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2020 · $173,480

## Abstract

Project Abstract
 The goal of this application for a K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Award is to prepare the
candidate, Lauren Fisher, Ph.D., for a career in patient-oriented research focusing on traumatic brain injury
(TBI) and major depressive disorder (MDD). This is an area of enormous public health importance, as
depression occurs in about 50% of individuals who have sustained a TBI, leading to high rates of long-term
disability and significantly impeding recovery and rehabilitation. The training goals of this career development
award are for the candidate to 1) acquire expertise in MDD in individuals with moderate to severe TBI, which
includes greater understanding of the neurobiology of TBI; assessment of depression in TBI; assessment of
neuropsychological functioning; and 2) become highly proficient in cognitive behavioral treatment development,
which includes tailoring treatment to the needs of the population; developing advanced skills in biostatistics;
and training in the responsible conduct of research. The stated objectives will be achieved through: 1)
Resources at Massachusetts General Hospital, Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, and Harvard Medical School
(HMS); 2) Expert mentorship from researchers in the Departments of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
(Primary Mentor: Ross Zafonte, DO; Co-Mentor: Grant Iverson, PhD; Consultant: Denise Ambrosi, MS, CCC-
SLP) and Psychiatry (Co-Mentors: Maurizio Fava, MD, Paola Pedrelli, PhD; Consultants: Kalo Tanev, MD, Lee
Baer, PhD) at HMS, as well as the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington
School of Medicine (Consultant: Charles Bombardier, PhD); 3) Targeted advanced coursework, seminars as
well as supervised clinical experiences; and 4) Implementation of the proposed research project. The research
component of this project will result in the development of a manualized cognitive behavioral intervention for
MDD that has been adapted to account for the cognitive sequelae of TBI. The primary aims will be to develop
the treatment manual following consultation with expert mentors and utilizing input from subjects and
investigate the acceptability and tolerability of the intervention. Secondary aims will be to pilot test its potential
efficacy for improving depression in patients with moderate to severe TBI and explore potential moderators and
mediators of its effect. Results of this project will form the basis of an R01 grant application and will lay the
foundation for a career-long research program focused on developing treatment protocols for depression after
TBI and other neurological disorders. The candidate has demonstrated a strong commitment to a research
career and excellence in her clinical and academic endeavors thus far. This research and training program will
assist Dr. Fisher in making the transition to independent investigator and becoming an expert in rehabilitation
psychology in an area with significant need and broad public health app...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9822984
- **Project number:** 5K23HD087464-04
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Lauren Beth Fisher
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $173,480
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-12-22 → 2021-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9822984

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9822984, Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Depression in Patients with Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (5K23HD087464-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9822984. Licensed CC0.

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