Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Piloting the Attention Training Technique for Post-Stroke Emotionalism

This study explores a new way to help people who have had a stroke and experience 'post-stroke emotionalism' (PSE). PSE means having strong, uncontrollable outbursts of crying or laughing that don't match how they truly feel. The study is investigating a technique called Attention Training (ATT). We want to see if ATT can reduce these symptoms. Initially, we'll work with a few people in the North West of England to understand if ATT helps and how well it works for each person. If successful, we'll then compare ATT to a different listening task to understand why ATT might be effective. The goal is to gather early evidence that ATT could be a helpful psychological therapy for stroke survivors with PSE.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Manchester

Enrolment target

Start

24 Jun 2024

Estimated completion

30 Aug 2025

Stroke Emotionality Pseudobulbar Affect Lability Emotional Crying

What is this study about?

Imagine you've had a stroke, and sometimes you find yourself crying or laughing strongly, even when you don't feel sad or happy. This can be very upsetting and is called 'post-stroke emotionalism' (PSE). This study is trying out a new technique called Attention Training (ATT) to see if it can help people manage these feelings. It's like learning to focus your attention in a way that might reduce these emotional outbursts.

First, we'll work closely with a small number of stroke survivors who experience PSE. We'll teach them the ATT and carefully watch if their symptoms improve. This first part of the study is called Phase 1. It's important to understand if ATT is helpful for each person individually. If we see good results here, we'll move on to Phase 2. This next phase will compare ATT with a simple listening task to understand more clearly why ATT might be making a difference – is it because of the specific attention training, or just the act of doing something helpful?

Ultimately, this research aims to explore a new psychological approach to support stroke survivors. PSE can be very difficult to live with, so finding effective ways to help is crucial. This study is an important first step in gathering evidence for ATT, potentially leading to better support for people affected by stroke and emotionalism in the future.

Key takeaways

A study for stroke survivors with uncontrollable crying or laughing (PSE).
Tests a new technique called Attention Training (ATT) to manage these symptoms.
Requires a carer or loved one to help with daily records.
Involves weekly sessions for up to 15 weeks, possibly online.
Aims to find new ways to help stroke survivors improve their quality of life.
Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must have had a stroke at least six months ago. You should also be experiencing uncontrolled crying or laughing that doesn't match your true feelings (post-stroke emotionalism), and a special questionnaire will help confirm this. You also need to be aged 18 or over and able to understand and agree to take part.

It's very important that you have a friend, family member, or carer who can support you and help keep track of your symptoms daily. You also need to be receiving care from a community neurorehabilitation service in the North West of England, be able to speak English, and not have any planned changes to antidepressant medications if you're taking them.

You cannot join if your stroke was less than six months ago, or if your emotionalism is due to another medical condition besides a stroke. You also can't take part if you are very unwell with other health problems, receiving end-of-life care, have severe behaviours that would make it hard to participate, or have vision or hearing problems that can't be corrected with glasses or hearing aids.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Did I have a stroke at least six months ago?
Do I experience uncontrollable crying/laughing (PSE)?
Am I 18 years old or older?
Do I have a carer or loved one who can help me daily?
Am I currently getting care from a community stroke service in the North West of England?
Can I understand and speak English well?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll learn the Attention Training Technique (ATT). This means you'll have weekly sessions for up to 15 weeks. These sessions can either be at a community service clinic or held online via video call, depending on what works best for you. During the study, your carer or loved one will need to help record any symptoms you experience each day.

There's also an option to have an interview where you can talk about your experiences learning and using the ATT. If you continue into the second part of the study, you might compare ATT with a simpler listening task. The total duration of your participation will depend on how the study progresses, but generally involves weekly appointments for several weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer the potential benefit of learning a new technique (ATT) to help manage symptoms of post-stroke emotionalism, which could improve your daily life. However, it's also possible that the technique might not work for you, or it might not provide the improvements you hope for. There might be some time commitment involved with the weekly sessions and daily symptom tracking, which could feel like a burden. There are no known physical risks associated with ATT. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Manchester, United Kingdom
Northern Care Alliance
Verified postcode
Manchester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'post-stroke emotionalism'?

It's when someone who has had a stroke experiences sudden, strong emotions like uncontrollable crying or laughing, even when their actual feelings don't match these outbursts.

What is the Attention Training Technique (ATT)?

It's a way of training your focus and attention that we hope can help reduce the symptoms of post-stroke emotionalism.

Will I have to take new medication?

No, this study is about a psychological technique, not new medications. We will ask that any existing antidepressant medications you are taking do not change during the study.

How long will the study appointments take?

The weekly appointments will last for a set amount of time, usually around an hour, for up to 15 weeks.

Do I need a carer to take part?

Yes, having a carer or loved one to support you and help record your symptoms daily is an important part of joining this study.

How to find out more

Clair Davison

clair.davison@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk 0161 306 0400 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.