Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy targets mental health challenges after stroke
Thirteen years ago, a stroke changed Ron Reddam’s life. A scientist, husband and father, Ron, then age 51, collapsed one late-July evening after a blood clot travelled to the right frontal lobe of his brain, leaving him paralyzed on the left side.
After his stroke, the Etobicoke, Ontario, man lost his job, his driver’s licence, and his independence. And, on top of his physical disability, he experienced a post-stroke condition called pseudobulbar affect, or emotional incontinence, a type of neurological disorder characterized by sudden, uncontrollable and inappropriate episodes or crying or laughing.
“I searched for peer support groups,” Ron says. And, eventually he came across an excellent six-month cognitive therapy program, covered by his provincial health-care plan. When the program ended, Ron was again on his own, but not prepared to give up.
In the spring of 2024, he found a 10-week online CanStroke clinical trial called ICBT — Internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Persons with Stroke. He contacted one of the research leaders, Dr. Swati Mehta at Lawson Health Research Institute in London, ON, and “I asked to join as a refresher to what I learned earlier,” he says.
Ron was not new to the world of clinical trials. Because long-term health-care coverage for stroke rehabilitation is inaccessible for most people between ages 18 and 65, Ron uses his scientific sleuthing skills to identify clinical trials to improve his stroke recovery. Even years after a stroke, the benefits are huge: “Participants get the latest therapy free,” he says. Not only that, involvement in research helps others.
The study “was everything I expected,” says Ron. After taking part in iCBT, he joined the study team as a volunteer, providing the perspective of someone with lived experience, and suggesting adjustments for aphasia and neurodiversity.
The ICBT study targets symptoms of depression and anxiety, feelings of loss and hopelessness. Through CBT, patients learn to recognize and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. Offering this service over the Internet provides the potential to reach people in rural and remote areas who may not otherwise have access to treatment.
“The application of this program can be expanded to other areas of health care as home and community care become the next level of health care,” Ron says.
He should know. After doing more than 100 studies, Ron won an international award for volunteering in research. “I constantly search for new studies to pass on to fellow stroke survivors in my groups. I search different organizations, hospitals, and universities for studies of interest to me and other survivors.”
In addition to his volunteer work with support groups and clinical trials, Ron has been a patient and family advisor at hospitals, research organizations, and health charities, and was involved in the formation of the Survivors Advocacy Group of Canada.