Cognitive Training for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Effects on Cognitive, Emotional, and Brain Function

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this pilot study is to determine the effects of computer-based training in executive functioning compared to word games on cognitive and emotional aspects of combat-related PTSD.

Detailed Description
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Many posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients either choose not to complete or do not achieve optimal response to current first-line behavioral and pharmacologic treatments. Neurocognitive research points to the potential of novel treatments targeting dorsal prefrontal function and inhibition, attention, and working memory processes. This study investigates effects of computer-based training in executive functions compared to word games on cognitive and emotional aspects of combat-related PTSD. Paper-and-pencil questionnaires, interviews, computer-administered testing, and magnetic resonance imaging will be complete before and after the intervention. Results from this pilot study will provide information concerning feasibility and treatment potential of cognitive training for PTSD.

Official Title
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Cognitive Training for PTSD: Effects on Cognitive, Emotional, and Brain Function

Conditions
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Posttraumatic Stress Disorders

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Executive function training


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: combat veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation New Dawn Exclusion Criteria: enrolled in other active treatment protocols current substance abuse or dependence current suicidal ideation diagnosis of a neurological disorder history of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 45 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Executive function training<br>Executive function training | Behavioral: Executive function training<br>* Computer-based training in executive functions, administered via www.lumosity.com website.<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Word game training<br>Computer-based training in tasks related to verbal processing. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Neural activity in prefrontal regions during cognitive and emotional processing measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging. |  | change from baseline to after 6 weeks of training | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cognitive functioning as measured by neuropsychological assessment. |  | change from baseline to after 6 weeks of training | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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veterans, neuropsychology, neuroimaging, attention, working memory, inhibition, magnetic resonance imaging, functional, trauma, stress, anxiety, emotion, prefrontal cortex