Interference control training for PTSD: A randomized controlled trial of a novel computer-based intervention

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic and debilitating condition characterized by persistent intrusive memories. Although effective treatments exist for PTSD, there is a need for development of alternative treatments. Diminished ability to control proactive interference may contribute to re-experiencing symptoms and may be a novel intervention target. The present study tested an intervention designed to modify proactive interference control clinicaltrials.gov identifier: (NCT02139137). Forty-two women with PTSD were randomly assigned to a computerized cognitive training or a control condition. The impact of these programs on cognitive performance and symptoms was assessed. PTSD re-experiencing symptoms and interference control performance improved significantly more for individuals in the training group relative to those in the control group. Other PTSD and general distress symptoms improved equally over time in both groups. Cognitive training of this type may hold promise as a novel intervention for reducing PTSD symptoms, although the mechanism of action and implications for models of PTSD requires future study.

Keywords: Cognitive control; Cognitive training; Executive functioning; PTSD; Treatment.

Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1

Flow chart of the progression of participants through the study

Figure 2

Mean severity score on the re-experiencing subscale of the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for the HIC (N = 13) and LIC (N = 8) groups (bars represent standard errors).