Evaluating a Novel Working Memory Training Program to Decrease Symptoms of PTSD

Not Applicable

Completed

Conditions: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Registration Number: NCT02139137

Lead Sponsor: Rick Gulizia

Brief Summary: The study is designed to evaluate the effect of a novel computer training program on PTSD.

Detailed Description: Post-traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD) is a chronic and debilitating disorder that affects millions of people each year (Kessler et al., 2005). Although effective psychosocial and pharmacological treatments exist for this disorder, as many as 50 percent of individuals still experience symptoms after treatment (Schottenbaeur et al., 2008). Empirical literature suggests that cognitive deficits may play a role in maintaining symptoms in individuals with PTSD through a variety of mechanisms, including decreased cognitive control over intrusive thoughts (Verwoerd et al., in press) and dysregulation in neural circuitry linking prefrontal cognitive control functions and amygdala activity (McNally, 2007). The goals of the proposed research are to improve the candidate's understanding of cognitive mechanisms of PTSD symptoms while building skills in conducting treatment research. The application aims to test a novel methodology for approaching PTSD treatment based on modification of underlying cognitive mechanisms of the disorder. To this end, 50 participants with PTSD will be randomly assigned to an 8-session executive control training condition designed to improve working memory functioning or a control condition. The aims of this study are 1) To test the effect of a working memory training program on working memory performance and 2) To examine the effects of this program on PTSD symptoms. The research plan is complemented by a set of training goals for the candidate to achieve over the proposed award period. These include 1) training in the use of fMRI and neuropsychological assessment 2) additional coursework and seminars in cognitive science and biostatistics for use in future work, 3) experience with teaching in the undergraduate and graduate setting and presenting original work for publication in preparation for a career in academic research. Taken together, the research and training components of this grant application will facilitate the candidate's long-term goal of conducting treatment outcome and basic mechanism research in PTSD. Moreover, as per the strategic plan outlined by NIMH, this application is designed develop an innovative intervention based on prior clinical research and knowledge of cognitive and neurobiological features of the disorder, and will advance knowledge of mechanisms of fear learning. It is designed to target core cognitive features of the disorder in an effort to reduce symptoms. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Post-traumatic stress disorder impacts millions of Americans, and is associated with significant personal distress as well as societal cost. The current application is designed to examine the effect of a novel working memory training program on PTSD symptoms. This approach is promising in that it may be a cost- effective and accessible method for decreasing symptoms associate with this disorder.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: COMPLETED

Sex: Female

Target Recruitment: 47

Inclusion Criteria

Female
Age 18-65
Primary DSM-IV diagnosis of PTSD secondary to sexual trauma

Exclusion Criteria

Current trauma or PTSD-focused psychosocial treatment
Active suicidality, evidence of substance dependence in the past 6 months
Evidence of current or past schizophrenia
Bipolar disorder
Organic mental disorder

Study & Design

Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL

Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Clinician Administered PTSD Scale; Re-experiencing	Baseline, Week 4	Model estimations of the means and standard deviation of posttreatment score at the mean level of baseline severity reported below. Scale range: 0-40, higher values indicate greater symptom severity

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Depression: Beck Depression Inventory	Baseline, Week 4	Scale Range: 0-63; higher scores indicate greater symptom severity
Change in General Anxiety: Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory	Baseline, Week 4	Range: 20-80; higher scores indicate greater symptom severity
Clinician Administered PTSD Scale Total Score - Responder Status	Week 4	Number of Participants Who Responded According to Clinician Administered PTSD Scale Total Score
Change in Functional Impairment; Sheehan Disability Scale	Baseline, Week 4	Range: 0-30; greater values indicate greater disability severity ratings