Cognitive Control Training for Extinction in PTSD

Conditions

• PTSD
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders
• Stress Disorders, Traumatic
• Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

18 Years - 65 Years

Healthy Volunteers

Not accepted

Interventions

• Working Memory Training — BEHAVIORAL
  Computer-administered working memory training program. WMT is a modified working memory capacity task designed to train working memory functioning. WMT is designed to contain high interference across trials and is adaptive to performance. As participants improve working memory, the task becomes more difficult.
• Sham Training — OTHER
  The Sham condition requires participants to complete a similar computer task for the same length of time. The Sham Training is a modified working memory capacity task designed to place less demands on working memory.

Study Details

The proposed study will test whether a working memory training (WMT) program improves fear extinction learning and its underlying neural circuitry in Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). WMT is designed to improves the ability to maintain task-relevant information in mind. The project will further validate the relationship between working memory and fear extinction using novel computational and multivariate analyses that link to specific PTSD symptoms. If WMT can enhance fear extinction learning, then WMT may be a powerful adjunctive treatment that can enhance exposure therapy outcomes or be leveraged as a stand-alone treatment. This project supports the Department of Veteran Affairs mission of developing viable targets of treatment for Veterans with PTSD.

Key Dates

Start date

Oct 1, 2024

Status verified

Sep 2025

Primary completion

Sep 30, 2028

Completion

Sep 30, 2028

Study Design

Enrollment

120 participants (estimated)

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

OTHER

Arms

• Experimental: Working Memory Training
  Computer-administered working memory training program. WMT is a modified working memory capacity task designed to train working memory functioning. WMT is designed to contain high interference across trials and is adaptive to performance. As participants improve working memory, the task becomes more difficult.
• Sham Comparator: Sham Training
  The Sham condition requires participants to complete a similar computer task for the same length of time. The Sham Training is a modified working memory capacity task designed to place less demands on working memory.

Primary Outcome Measure

Behavioral Threat Expectancy Ratings During Extinction Performance [ Time Frame: Baseline, Approximately 5 or 6 weeks ]

Central Contacts

• Daniel M Stout, PhD
  (858) 642-3944
  [email protected]

Locations (1)

Find similar trials in San Diego, CA

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