Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Conditions
Brief summary
The proposed project aims to test the cognitive and neural effects of a cognitive training in a sample of individuals seeking treatment for anxiety, depression, or traumatic stress symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to a high dose, low dose, or assessment only condition. Participants will be compared on cognitive performance and brain response during cognitive tasks from baseline to post-treatment.
Detailed description
Mood, anxiety, and traumatic stress disorders are common psychiatric conditions - affecting over 40 million U.S. adults - and are leading causes of disability worldwide. People with these conditions are commonly plagued by difficulty controlling distressing personal thoughts and memories, collectively referred to as repetitive negative thinking symptoms. Models suggest that repetitive negative thinking is driven by executive functioning deficits, such that cognitive resources are insufficient to downregulate unwanted thoughts. Executive functioning deficits could be a promising treatment target but are not typically addressed with existing interventions. The long-term goal advanced by this project is to develop effective, mechanistic cognitive training programs that can improve cognition and reduce symptoms associated with mood, anxiety, and traumatic stress disorders. The objectives of this proposal are first to determine the optimal dose of a cognitive training program designed to improve executive functioning in this population using behavioral and neural outcomes. The central hypothesis is that repeated training exercises will enhance executive functioning and will lead to a reduction of repetitive negative thinking in mood, anxiety, and traumatic stress disorders. The project will randomize participants with depression, anxiety, and/or traumatic stress disorders to one of two doses of cognitive training or a no-treatment control condition. The investigators will examine executive functioning change with cognitive task performance and functional neuroimaging assessments.
Interventions
COGENT is based on a working memory capacity task, which requires individuals to memorize stimuli while simultaneously completing a secondary puzzle task.
Sponsors
Study design
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
* age 21-55 * fluent in English * diagnosis of mood, anxiety, or traumatic stress disorder * clinically elevated repetitive negative thinking * outpatient status * 6-week stability if taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications
Exclusion criteria
* past year diagnosis of severe alcohol or moderate or greater substance use disorder * lifetime history of psychotic or bipolar I disorder * acute suicidality necessitating immediate clinical intervention * neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental disorders * history of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or other known neurological condition * sensory deficits that would preclude completing tasks * conditions unsafe for completing MRI scanning (e.g., metal in body) * currently receiving psychosocial treatment * currently receiving psychiatric pharmacotherapy, except SSRIs
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Cognitive Performance | Baseline, Week 4 | Span Working Memory Score. Scores are calculated based on memory accuracy total points across all trials, with higher scores indicating better performance (0-81 range). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Emotional Working Memory Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) Response | Week 4 | Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) emotional working memory capacity task while undergoing functional MRI. Neural activation to task condition is measured using % signal change (0-100) with higher scores indicating greater activation. |
| Change in Neuropsychological Performance | Baseline, Week 4 | Change from baseline in neuropsychological performance as measured by the following tests: Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test, Picture Sequence Memory Test, List Sorting Working Memory Test, Oral Reading Recognition Test, Dimensional Change Card Sort Test, Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test, Matrix Reasoning, Digit Span, Trail Making Test, Digit Symbol Matching, composite score (change in NIH corrected fluid cognition t score) with larger scores reflecting larger gains (1-100 range; T score of 50 is mean with standard deviation of 10). |
| Anxiety Symptoms | Baseline, Week 4 | Change from baseline in anxiety symptoms as measured by General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7). The total score ranges from 0-21. With higher scores indicating higher levels of anxiety symptoms. |
| Symptoms of Depression | Baseline, Week 4 | Change from baseline in symptoms of depression as measured by the PhenX Depression-Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QUIDS). The total score ranges from 0-27, with higher scores indicating higher depressive symptoms. |
| PTSD Symptoms | Baseline, Week 4 | Change from baseline in PTSD symptoms as measured by PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5).The total score ranges from 0-80, with higher scores indicating higher severity. |
| Change Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) | Baseline, Week 4 | Change from baseline in RNT as measured by the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), the Repetitive Negative Thinking Questionnaire-10 (RTQ-10) and the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ) composite z score (z score of 0 reflects mean, larger scores reflecting worse symptoms). The total score for the RRS ranges from 22 to 88, with higher scores indicating higher degrees of ruminative symptoms. The total score for the PSWQ ranges from 16 to 80, with higher scores indicating higher worry. The total score for the RTQ-10 ranges from 10 to 50, with higher scores indicating higher repetitive thinking. The total score for the PTQ ranges from 0 to 60, with higher scores indicating higher repetitive negative thinking. Scores of each characteristic of RNT can also be obtained. |
| Self-reported Attention Attention | Baseline, Week 4 | Change from baseline in attention focusing and attention shifting as measured by the Attention Control Questionnaire. The total score ranges from 20 to 80, with higher scores indicating higher levels of attention control. |
| Change in Reading Span Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) Response | Baseline, Week 4 | Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Reading span working memory capacity task while undergoing functional MRI. Neural activation to task condition is measured using % signal change (0-100) with higher scores indicating greater activation. |
| Disability | Baseline, Week 4 | Change from baseline in disability across six domains, understanding and communicating, getting around, self-care, getting along with people, life activities, and participation in society as measured by the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). A simple score for the WHODAS 2.0 ranges from 36-180 with higher scores indicating the degree of functional limitations. An item-response-theory based score can also be obtained by summing the recoded item scores within each of the six domains, summing the domains, and converting the summary score into a metric ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating higher disability. |
| Suicide Cognitions | Baseline, Week 4 | Change from baseline in suicide-related beliefs as measures by the Suicide Cognitions Scale-Revised (SCS-R). The total score ranges from 0 to 64, with higher scores indicating higher severity of suicidal cognitions. |
| Alcohol Use | Baseline, Week 4 | Change from baseline in drinking patterns as measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The total score ranges from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating higher risk. Such that 1-7 indicates low risk, 8-12 risky, and 13+ high risk. |
| Drug Abuse | Baseline, Week 4 | Change from baseline in drug abuse as measured by the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10). The total score ranges from 0-10, with higher scores indicating higher degree of drug abuse related problems. |
| Insomnia | Baseline, Week 4 | Changes from baseline in insomnia problems as measured by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The total score ranges 0-21, with higher scores indicating severity of insomnia. |
| Change in Mood and Emotions: Negative Affect | Baseline, Week 4 | Changes from baseline in mood and emotions as measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS).There are two scores calculated, one for positive affect and one for negative affect. The total score for positive affect ranges from 10 to 50. The total score for negative affect ranges from 11 to 55 (higher is greater emotion on the dimension). |
| Change in Mood and Emotion: Positive Affect | Baseline, 4 weeks | Changes from baseline in mood and emotions as measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS).There are two scores calculated, one for positive affect and one for negative affect. The total score for positive affect ranges from 10 to 50. The total score for negative affect ranges from 11 to 55 (higher is greater emotion on the dimension). |
| Emotion Regulation | Baseline, Week 4 | Change from baseline in emotion regulation tendencies as measured by the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). Scores are obtained by averaging the scores of two subscales: cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Higher scores indicating higher use of emotion regulation (10 to 70 range). |
Countries
United States
Participant flow
Participants by arm
| Arm | Count |
|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose Cognitive training completed for 8 sessions
COGENT: COGENT is based on a working memory capacity task, which requires individuals to memorize stimuli while simultaneously completing a secondary puzzle task. | 24 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose Cognitive training completed for 16 sessions
COGENT: COGENT is based on a working memory capacity task, which requires individuals to memorize stimuli while simultaneously completing a secondary puzzle task. | 24 |
| Repeat Assessment Repeated assessment only | 24 |
| Total | 72 |
Baseline characteristics
| Characteristic | Cognitive Training Low Dose | Cognitive Training High Dose | Repeat Assessment | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age, Continuous | 31.8 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.05 | 33.12 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.93 | 31.59 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.79 | 31.84 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.15 |
| Race (NIH/OMB) American Indian or Alaska Native | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Asian | 5 Participants | 1 Participants | 3 Participants | 9 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Black or African American | 1 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 1 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) More than one race | 5 Participants | 2 Participants | 5 Participants | 12 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported | 0 Participants | 5 Participants | 2 Participants | 7 Participants |
| Race (NIH/OMB) White | 13 Participants | 16 Participants | 14 Participants | 43 Participants |
| Region of Enrollment United States | 24 Participants | 24 Participants | 24 Participants | 72 Participants |
| Sex/Gender, Customized Female | 18 Participants | 17 Participants | 21 Participants | 56 Participants |
| Sex/Gender, Customized Male | 5 Participants | 6 Participants | 3 Participants | 14 Participants |
| Sex/Gender, Customized Missing | 0 Participants | 1 Participants | 0 Participants | 1 Participants |
| Sex/Gender, Customized Other | 1 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 1 Participants |
Adverse events
| Event type | EG000 affected / at risk | EG001 affected / at risk | EG002 affected / at risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| deaths Total, all-cause mortality | 0 / 24 | 0 / 24 | 0 / 24 |
| other Total, other adverse events | 0 / 24 | 0 / 24 | 0 / 24 |
| serious Total, serious adverse events | 0 / 24 | 0 / 24 | 0 / 24 |
Outcome results
Change in Cognitive Performance
Span Working Memory Score. Scores are calculated based on memory accuracy total points across all trials, with higher scores indicating better performance (0-81 range).
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4
Population: Sample reflects missing data for high and repeat assessment groups
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Change in Cognitive Performance | 4.92 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 8.07 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Change in Cognitive Performance | 8.18 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 14.03 |
| Repeat Assessment | Change in Cognitive Performance | .27 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 10.58 |
Alcohol Use
Change from baseline in drinking patterns as measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The total score ranges from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating higher risk. Such that 1-7 indicates low risk, 8-12 risky, and 13+ high risk.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Alcohol Use | .17 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.76 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Alcohol Use | -.17 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.47 |
| Repeat Assessment | Alcohol Use | .14 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 2.17 |
Anxiety Symptoms
Change from baseline in anxiety symptoms as measured by General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7). The total score ranges from 0-21. With higher scores indicating higher levels of anxiety symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Anxiety Symptoms | -1.21 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.59 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Anxiety Symptoms | -4.28 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 6.59 |
| Repeat Assessment | Anxiety Symptoms | -1.14 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.78 |
Change in Emotional Working Memory Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) Response
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) emotional working memory capacity task while undergoing functional MRI. Neural activation to task condition is measured using % signal change (0-100) with higher scores indicating greater activation.
Time frame: Week 4
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Change in Emotional Working Memory Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) Response | .21 percent BOLD signal change ROI1 | Standard Deviation 1.26 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Change in Emotional Working Memory Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) Response | .58 percent BOLD signal change ROI1 | Standard Deviation 1.28 |
| Repeat Assessment | Change in Emotional Working Memory Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) Response | -1.56 percent BOLD signal change ROI1 | Standard Deviation 1.09 |
Change in Mood and Emotion: Positive Affect
Changes from baseline in mood and emotions as measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS).There are two scores calculated, one for positive affect and one for negative affect. The total score for positive affect ranges from 10 to 50. The total score for negative affect ranges from 11 to 55 (higher is greater emotion on the dimension).
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks
Population: Reflects missing data
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Change in Mood and Emotion: Positive Affect | 1.25 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 13.25 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Change in Mood and Emotion: Positive Affect | 2.55 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 12.12 |
| Repeat Assessment | Change in Mood and Emotion: Positive Affect | .32 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 10.33 |
Change in Mood and Emotions: Negative Affect
Changes from baseline in mood and emotions as measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS).There are two scores calculated, one for positive affect and one for negative affect. The total score for positive affect ranges from 10 to 50. The total score for negative affect ranges from 11 to 55 (higher is greater emotion on the dimension).
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Change in Mood and Emotions: Negative Affect | -3.38 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 7.14 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Change in Mood and Emotions: Negative Affect | -5.06 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 9.77 |
| Repeat Assessment | Change in Mood and Emotions: Negative Affect | -.38 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.07 |
Change in Neuropsychological Performance
Change from baseline in neuropsychological performance as measured by the following tests: Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test, Picture Sequence Memory Test, List Sorting Working Memory Test, Oral Reading Recognition Test, Dimensional Change Card Sort Test, Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test, Matrix Reasoning, Digit Span, Trail Making Test, Digit Symbol Matching, composite score (change in NIH corrected fluid cognition t score) with larger scores reflecting larger gains (1-100 range; T score of 50 is mean with standard deviation of 10).
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Change in Neuropsychological Performance | 4.35 T score | Standard Deviation 6.79 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Change in Neuropsychological Performance | 7.94 T score | Standard Deviation 6.91 |
| Repeat Assessment | Change in Neuropsychological Performance | 1.37 T score | Standard Deviation 7.67 |
Change in Reading Span Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) Response
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Reading span working memory capacity task while undergoing functional MRI. Neural activation to task condition is measured using % signal change (0-100) with higher scores indicating greater activation.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Change in Reading Span Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) Response | -2.90 percent BOLD signal change ROI1 | Standard Deviation 6.16 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Change in Reading Span Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) Response | -2.16 percent BOLD signal change ROI1 | Standard Deviation 6.62 |
| Repeat Assessment | Change in Reading Span Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) Response | 2.46 percent BOLD signal change ROI1 | Standard Deviation 3.19 |
Change Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT)
Change from baseline in RNT as measured by the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), the Repetitive Negative Thinking Questionnaire-10 (RTQ-10) and the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ) composite z score (z score of 0 reflects mean, larger scores reflecting worse symptoms). The total score for the RRS ranges from 22 to 88, with higher scores indicating higher degrees of ruminative symptoms. The total score for the PSWQ ranges from 16 to 80, with higher scores indicating higher worry. The total score for the RTQ-10 ranges from 10 to 50, with higher scores indicating higher repetitive thinking. The total score for the PTQ ranges from 0 to 60, with higher scores indicating higher repetitive negative thinking. Scores of each characteristic of RNT can also be obtained.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Change Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) | -.09 Z score | Standard Deviation 0.67 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Change Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) | -.12 Z score | Standard Deviation 0.72 |
| Repeat Assessment | Change Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) | .01 Z score | Standard Deviation 0.8 |
Disability
Change from baseline in disability across six domains, understanding and communicating, getting around, self-care, getting along with people, life activities, and participation in society as measured by the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0). A simple score for the WHODAS 2.0 ranges from 36-180 with higher scores indicating the degree of functional limitations. An item-response-theory based score can also be obtained by summing the recoded item scores within each of the six domains, summing the domains, and converting the summary score into a metric ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating higher disability.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Disability | -1.66 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 2.21 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Disability | -1.42 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 2.14 |
| Repeat Assessment | Disability | -.32 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.56 |
Drug Abuse
Change from baseline in drug abuse as measured by the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10). The total score ranges from 0-10, with higher scores indicating higher degree of drug abuse related problems.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Drug Abuse | .00 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.78 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Drug Abuse | .11 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.76 |
| Repeat Assessment | Drug Abuse | -.09 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.81 |
Emotion Regulation
Change from baseline in emotion regulation tendencies as measured by the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). Scores are obtained by averaging the scores of two subscales: cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Higher scores indicating higher use of emotion regulation (10 to 70 range).
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Emotion Regulation | -1.04 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 6.96 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Emotion Regulation | -1.06 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 8.35 |
| Repeat Assessment | Emotion Regulation | .59 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 7.42 |
Insomnia
Changes from baseline in insomnia problems as measured by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The total score ranges 0-21, with higher scores indicating severity of insomnia.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Insomnia | -.21 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.38 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Insomnia | -3.06 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.67 |
| Repeat Assessment | Insomnia | -2.09 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.64 |
PTSD Symptoms
Change from baseline in PTSD symptoms as measured by PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5).The total score ranges from 0-80, with higher scores indicating higher severity.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | PTSD Symptoms | -6.46 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 14.82 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | PTSD Symptoms | -4.39 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 15.32 |
| Repeat Assessment | PTSD Symptoms | -7.91 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 10.99 |
Self-reported Attention Attention
Change from baseline in attention focusing and attention shifting as measured by the Attention Control Questionnaire. The total score ranges from 20 to 80, with higher scores indicating higher levels of attention control.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Self-reported Attention Attention | -.04 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.05 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Self-reported Attention Attention | 1.89 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.3 |
| Repeat Assessment | Self-reported Attention Attention | 1.05 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.8 |
Suicide Cognitions
Change from baseline in suicide-related beliefs as measures by the Suicide Cognitions Scale-Revised (SCS-R). The total score ranges from 0 to 64, with higher scores indicating higher severity of suicidal cognitions.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Suicide Cognitions | -2.79 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 7.67 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Suicide Cognitions | -5.44 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 10.85 |
| Repeat Assessment | Suicide Cognitions | -5.18 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 6.65 |
Symptoms of Depression
Change from baseline in symptoms of depression as measured by the PhenX Depression-Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QUIDS). The total score ranges from 0-27, with higher scores indicating higher depressive symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline, Week 4
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Training Low Dose | Symptoms of Depression | -2.46 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.77 |
| Cognitive Training High Dose | Symptoms of Depression | -1.56 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.92 |
| Repeat Assessment | Symptoms of Depression | -1.48 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.31 |