Games to Overcome Late Life Depression

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Major Depressive Disorder
• Interventions: Behavioral: Problem Solving Therapy; Behavioral: Words; Behavioral: Evolution

• Registration Number: NCT02229188
• Lead Sponsor: University of Washington

Brief Summary

This is a pilot study divided into two phases. IN phase 1 (completed) participants will be randomized to receive 8 weeks of Problem Solving Therapy (PST) alone or 8 weeks of a cognitive training game called, Evolution (Evo) plus clinical management. In Phase 2 (now recruiting), participants will be randomized to Evo, PST, and a different cognitive training program called Words. Words is similar to Evo in that it is an adaptive training program and includes case management. IN both studies participants will be assessed for clinical and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) outcomes at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks.

Detailed Description

Evo is a computer game that targets parts of the brain (i.e. the cognitive control network) that we think may be associated with depressive symptoms. This study is exploratory and will inform future hypotheses the research team will test in subsequent research.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2013-12
• Study First Submitted: 2014-08-26
• Study First Submitted QC: 2014-08-27
• Study First Posted: 2014-09-01
• Primary Completion: 2018-08
• Study Completion: 2018-08-31
• Status Verified: 2018-09
• Last Update Submitted: 2018-09-18
• Last Update Posted: 2018-09-19

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 30

Inclusion Criteria

1. Between 60-80 years of age
2. Meets criteria for Major Depressive Disorder
3. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) of 20 or greater
4. Mini Mental State Exam score of 24 or greater
5. Can speak and read English
6. Able to physically participate in the research protocol (e.g.: is not suffering from a terminal or highly disabling illness)
7. Can participate in MRI scans
8. Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

1. History of psychosis, mania, or currently using or abusing illicit drugs or alcohol
2. Diagnosis of dementia
3. Taking cognitive enhancers
4. Change in or newly began taking psychiatric medication within the last 6 months
5. Pacemaker
6. Metal in the body that cannot be removed
7. Color blind
8. Movement disorder that prevents participation -

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Problem Solving Therapy	Problem Solving Therapy	Problem Solving Therapy is an evidence-based behavioral treatment for late life depression proven effective with different geriatric groups including ambulatory; medically ill; older adults with executive dysfunctions; and more recently, low-income, disabled older adults.
Words	Words	Words is a challenging crosswords type of game that will serve as the placebo comparator to Evo.
Evolution	Evolution	Evolution is a plasticity intervention in the form of a video driving game that targets the cognitive conflict network.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in depression over time	weeks 0, 4, 8, 24	Hamilton Depression Rating Scale

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Washington Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; 🇺🇸 Seattle, Washington, United States