Posttraumatic Stress Disorders
Conditions
Keywords
veterans, neuropsychology, neuroimaging, attention, working memory, inhibition, magnetic resonance imaging, functional, trauma, stress, anxiety, emotion, prefrontal cortex
Brief summary
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
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.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALExecutive function training
Computer-based training in executive functions, administered via www.lumosity.com website.
Sponsors
University of Kansas
University of Missouri, Kansas City
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | 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
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Cognitive functioning as measured by neuropsychological assessment. | change from baseline to after 6 weeks of training |
Other
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Clinical PTSD symptoms as measured by the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). | change from baseline to after 6 weeks of training |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed