Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Conditions
Brief summary
The study has two goals. First to develop a computer-based intervention meant to alter cognitive biases that contribute to ongoing PTSD symptoms. Second, we sought to pilot test the intervention in a small sample of veterans for feasibility and acceptability.
Detailed description
Aim 1: Develop Attentional Bias Retraining protocol (Phase 1) * 1.1 Computerized assessment & retraining programs * 1.2 Procedures and measures Aim 2: Implement in pilot sample (Phase 2) * 2.1: Assess feasibility and tolerability * 2.2: Collect pilot data to plan future studies * 2.3: Efficacy estimates based on changes in response time to dot probe task
Interventions
BEHAVIORALAttentional bias retraining
Participants complete a computer-based intervention, which is designed to correct cognitive biases associated with PTSD by training to attend to neutral information rather than the trauma-related cue words.
Sponsors
VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
The transition point from the assessment only version of the attention bias program to the retraining/ bias correction version was randomized at the participant level and occurred between weeks 4 and 7 of the 10-week study.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to 89 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Participated in ground combat operations in Vietnam * Scored 40 - 80 on PTSD Checklist - Military version * Availability and willingness to attend 2x weekly computer sessions for 6 weeks
Exclusion criteria
* Active substance dependence * Significant cognitive impairment * Current and active suicidal or homicidal ideation
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Post-traumatic Checklist - Military version (PCL-M) | Change from Baseline and Post-treatment (1 month after last training session) | PCL-M assess the 17-cardinal symptoms of PTSD. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Attentional bias scores | Change from Baseline and Post-treatment (1 month after last training session) | Attentional bias scores represent participants cognitive bias to orient towards trauma-relevant information more quickly than neutral information. |
Other
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Daily of PTSD symptoms, specifically hyperarousal and intrusive symptoms (nightmares, reenactments, and triggered and untriggered recall) | Change from Baseline and Post-treatment (1 month after last training session) | Participants filled out daily symptom log nightly |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed