Cognitive Training for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

JA
Overseen ByJessica A Bomyea, PhD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new computer-based program called COGENT (Cognitive ENhancement Training) to determine if it can help Veterans with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) improve memory and daily functioning. Researchers aim to find out if this program can reduce PTSD symptoms and help Veterans engage more effectively in their lives and communities. Participants will either use the COGENT training or a similar program without the active training features. Veterans with PTSD who experience memory issues and can attend sessions might be a good fit for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers Veterans the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance PTSD treatment options.

What prior data suggests that this cognitive training program is safe for Veterans with PTSD?

Past studies have shown that cognitive training programs, like the one tested in this trial, are generally safe for people with PTSD. Compensatory Cognitive Training (CCT), a similar type of training, has been reported as safe for those with thinking difficulties.

Although data on the exact treatment, COGENT, is limited, early findings suggest it might improve symptoms in Veterans with PTSD. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results, but current information indicates that this type of cognitive training is well-tolerated.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about COGENT (Cognitive ENhancement Training) for PTSD because it offers a fresh approach by focusing on enhancing cognitive functions directly, unlike most traditional treatments that rely on psychotherapy or medication. This method aims to improve memory and attention, which can be significantly impaired in PTSD sufferers. By potentially strengthening these cognitive areas, COGENT could lead to better overall management of PTSD symptoms, offering a new avenue of hope for veterans and others affected by this condition.

What evidence suggests that COGENT is effective for PTSD?

Research has shown that brain training exercises can help improve PTSD symptoms. Participants in these programs often report better memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. Veterans who have undergone similar training noticed clear improvements in thinking and information processing. One study found that therapies combining brain training with other techniques significantly reduced PTSD symptoms. In this trial, participants will receive either Cognitive ENhancement Training (COGENT) or a Sham Training (ST) comparator. These findings suggest that COGENT could effectively help Veterans manage PTSD symptoms and improve their daily lives.26789

Who Is on the Research Team?

JA

Jessica A Bomyea, PhD

Principal Investigator

VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Veterans diagnosed with PTSD who are looking to improve their daily functioning and cognitive abilities. Participants should be able to use a computer and complete training sessions. People with conditions that would prevent them from participating fully may not be eligible.

Inclusion Criteria

Willing to attend assessment and treatment sessions
Fluent in English
I have noticed problems with my memory or thinking.
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

I plan to change my medications during the study period.
Past year history of psychotic or bipolar I disorders
Past year history of severe alcohol or substance use disorder
See 6 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo Cognitive ENhancement Training (COGENT) or Sham Training for 10 weeks

10 weeks
Weekly sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

6 months
3-month and 6-month follow-up assessments

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • COGENT (Cognitive ENhancement Training)

Trial Overview

The study compares a computerized cognitive training program (COGENT) designed to boost memory and thinking skills, against a sham (placebo-like) training. Participants are randomly assigned to one of the two groups.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Cognitive ENhancement Training (COGENT)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Sham Training (ST)Placebo Group1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

VA Office of Research and Development

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,691
Recruited
3,759,000+

Citations

Neurofeedback for post-traumatic stress disorder - PMC - NIH

Meta-analysis of the pooled data shows a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms post-treatment SMD of −1.76 (95% CI −2.69, −0.83), and the mean remission rate ...

Effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD in ...

This study provides promising data on the outcomes associated with a modified CPT protocol for treating PTSD in a high need but under-treated SMI population.

Augmenting Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Post ...

Skills/CBT resulted in fewer treatment drop-outs, less PTSD and anxiety, and fewer negative appraisals at 6 months follow-up than Support/CBT.

How PTSD Treatment Also Sharpens the Mind

Episodic visual memory improved significantly, depression and PTSD symptoms improved following treatment in both groups.

Prolonged exposure or cognitive processing therapy?

A VA study of more than 900 Veterans with PTSD found prolonged exposure to be statistically more effective than cognitive processing therapy in easing PTSD ...

Efficacy of Neuro-Feedback Training for PTSD Symptoms - PMC

Our findings showed that EEG-based neuro-feedback training was more helpful for training PTSD symptoms.

Cognitive Control Training for Extinction in PTSD

The proposed study will test whether a working memory training (WMT) program improves fear extinction learning and its underlying neural circuitry in Veterans ...

NCT01352637 | Enhancing Exposure Therapy for Post ...

The purpose of this study is to test the differences between four active treatment conditions for combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

Cognitive Training for PTSD · Info for Participants

Research has shown that Compensatory Cognitive Training (CCT) is generally safe for individuals with cognitive difficulties.