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

December 4, 2014 updated by: Robin Aupperle, University of Missouri, Kansas City

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

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.

Study Overview

Status

Unknown

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

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.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Anticipated)

40

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • United States
    • Missouri
      • Kansas City, Missouri, United States, 64110
        • Univesity of Missouri - Kansas City

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 45 years (Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

Male

Description

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

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

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

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

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

Secondary Outcome Measures

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

Other Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Time Frame
Clinical PTSD symptoms as measured by the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS).
Time Frame: change from baseline to after 6 weeks of training
change from baseline to after 6 weeks of training

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

University of Missouri, Kansas City

Collaborators

University of Kansas

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Robin Aupperle, PhD, University of Missouri, Kansas City

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

July 1, 2012

Primary Completion (Anticipated)

July 1, 2015

Study Completion (Anticipated)

July 1, 2015

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

July 17, 2012

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 18, 2012

First Posted (Estimate)

July 19, 2012

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimate)

December 8, 2014

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

December 4, 2014

Last Verified

December 1, 2014

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • UMKC SS11-212e

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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