Working Memory Training in Adults With Substance Abuse and Executive Function Deficits.

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of a computerized working memory training program on substance abuse, psychosocial functioning, cognitive performance and psychiatric problems in adults with substance abuse and attention problems.

Detailed Description
-----------------
The primary aim of this study is to examine the effects of 5 weeks of computerized working memory training on substance abuse. Secondary aims are to explore whether effects are mediated by changes in executive functions and/or moderated by personality. Also, effects on measures of psychosocial functioning, depression, anxiety and attention will be explored. Follow-up assessment will be conducted at 6 months post training.

Official Title
-----------------
Computerized Working Memory Training in Adults With Substance Abuse and Executive Function Deficits: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Conditions
-----------------
Depression, Antisocial Personality, Substance Abuse, Executive Dysfunction, Anxiety, Reading Disabilities

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Behavioral: Computerized Cogmed working memory training
* Behavioral: Treatment as usual


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Treatment seeking adults with substance abuse and executive function deficits. Exclusion Criteria: Acute intoxication or abstinence symptoms of any substance. Psychosis.

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

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


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Cogmed working memory training<br>30-40 minutes of Cogmed computerized working memory training 3-5 days a week for 5-8 weeks. Every training session consists of a set of visual- and verbal working memory tasks that are trained on during the session. | Behavioral: Computerized Cogmed working memory training<br>* Computerized working memory training with Cogmed QM software. The QM software consists of a set of verbal and visual working memory tasks which is trained for 25-40 minutes each session.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Treatment as usual<br>Treatment as usual can consist of medication, psychotherapy, counseling, and psychological assessment. After a 8 week period participants in this arm well be offered Cogmed working memory training. | Behavioral: Treatment as usual<br>* Treatment as usual can consist of medication, psychotherapy, counseling, and psychological assessment.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change from baseline in substance abuse measured with Substance abuse scales in Adult Self Report (ASR; ASEBA). |  | Baseline and at 25 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change from baseline in Adult Self Report (ASR; ASEBA) Attention problems scale. |  | Baseline and at 25 weeks | 
| Change from baseline in Adult Self Report (ASR; ASEBA) Internalizing index. |  | Baseline and at 25 weeks | 
| Change from baseline in Adult Self Report (ASR; ASEBA) Externalizing index. |  | Baseline and at 25 weeks | 
| Change from baseline in Adult Self Report (ASR; ASEBA) Adaptive functioning scales. |  | Baseline and at 25 weeks | 
| Change from baseline in Executive functioning measured with Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult (BRIEF-A). |  | Baseline and at 25 weeks | 
| Change from baseline in verbal working memory measured with performance on Digit span. |  | Baseline and at 25 weeks | 
| Change from baseline in visual working memory measured with performance on Span board. |  | Baseline and at 25 weeks | 
| Change from baseline in focused attention measured with performance on Conners Continuous Performance Test-II (CCPT-II). |  | Baseline and at 25 weeks | 
| Change from baseline in vigilance measured with performance on Conners Continuous Performance Test-II (CCPT-II). |  | Baseline and at 25 weeks | 
| Change from baseline in reading speed measured with performance on Reading speed in Diagnostic Reading and Writing Test (DLS; Swedish version). |  | Baseline and at 25 weeks |