Using a Brief Visuospatial Interference Intervention to Reduce Intrusive Memories Among Trauma Exposed Women
Condition: Trauma
MeSH terms: Wounds and Injuries
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      This research study is an extension on a study already preregistered NCT04209283 and is
      designed to investigate the use of a simple cognitive task (a memory cue followed by playing
      the computer game "Tetris") for decreasing the number of intrusive memories of trauma among
      trauma-exposed women in Iceland. This is a single case series using a within subject multiple
      baseline AB design. Participants will aim to complete a no-intervention phase ('A': baseline
      phase) of one week followed by a one-week intervention phase ('B'), including a one-session
      intervention with a researcher comprising the simple cognitive task, followed by instructions
      to continue using the technique self-guided in subsequent weeks. Participants will be asked
      to monitor the occurrence of intrusive memories of trauma in a daily diary. It is predicted
      that participants will report fewer intrusive memories during the intervention phase than
      during the preceding baseline phase and that the frequency of targeted intrusive memories is
      going to decrease relative to non-targeted intrusive memories. Furthermore, the investigators
      will explore whether having fewer intrusive memories has an impact on function and/or PTSD,
      depressive or anxiety symptoms.
    

Detailed description: 
      Participants will attend 3-8 sessions with researchers and sessions will be conducted
      remotely via telephone or secure video platform (Kara Connect). In session one, the intrusive
      memories will be logged for monitoring their frequency in a daily diary for the following
      weeks. Baseline assessment questionnaires will also administered. In the second session, a
      memory will be selected and targeted with the intervention (memory reminder followed by 25
      min gameplay with mental rotation) followed by monitoring the frequency of both the targeted
      and non-targeted intrusive memories. Participants will also complete self-rated questions
      concerning the impact of their intrusive memories. The intervention session will be repeated
      for other intrusive memories (maximum 6 intervention sessions). In the last intervention
      session, participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and self-rated questions
      assessing the impact of their intrusive memories. Participants will be asked to complete
      measures at 1 month follow-up and at 3 month follow-up. In the 1 month follow-up and the 3
      month follow-up, participants complete questionnaires and monitor the frequency of intrusive
      memories for one week. The investigators note that the intended timeframes (e.g. one-week for
      baseline and one-week for intervention phase) may differ slightly across participants
      depending on availability and the practicalities of remote delivery.
    

Intervention name(s): Visiospatial Interference
Intervention type(s): Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Behavioral: Brief cognitive intervention. A one-session intervention with a researcher including a simple cognitive task (a memory cue and 25 minutes of Tetris game play with mental rotation) with instructions to engage in the task self-guided in the subsequent weeks.
Intervention model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Intrusive memories