Cognitive Training for Functioning in PTSD

Conditions

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

N/A - N/A

Healthy Volunteers

Not accepted

Interventions

• COGENT (Cognitive ENhancement Training) — BEHAVIORAL
  COGENT is a computer-administered cognitive training program and consists of a modified working memory capacity task. COGENT was designed to contain high interference across trials, and requires participants to consistently, actively manage control over working memory interference. By requiring repeated practice with utilization of interference control across trials, COGENT is thought to enhance plasticity of cognitive systems used to manage how information enters and subsequently is removed from working memory, leading to improved performance over time.
• ST (Sham Training) — BEHAVIORAL
  The sham training (ST) requires participants to remember the same total number of items as in COGENT; however, this training contains relatively less proactive interference across trials and is designed to be an "inert" version of the experimental program. The sham training condition will allow us to evaluate differences based on the proposed working memory interference training element, rather than general elements of the task (e.g., regular staff contact, contact time, general computer interface time).

Study Details

The proposed study will test a novel, computerized treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to determine if it helps Veterans functionally recover as measured by reduced cognitive disability and PTSD symptoms. To do so, investigators will evaluate the effects of a cognitive training program that is designed to improve people's ability to manage information in working memory. Investigators will measure self-reported symptoms and disability alongside day-to-day cognition and functioning. The project support the VA Office of Research and Development's mission to improve Veteran participation in their lives and community by determining if this new approach can improve recovery from trauma and exploring for whom the intervention works.

Key Dates

First listed

Jul 9, 2026

Start date

Jul 1, 2027

Status verified

Jul 2026

Primary completion

Jan 1, 2030

Completion

Mar 31, 2030

Study Design

Enrollment

176 participants (estimated)

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

TREATMENT

Arms

• Experimental: Cognitive ENhancement Training (COGENT)
  Participants will be Veterans assigned to the active cognitive training program, Cognitive ENhancement Training (COGENT).
• Sham Comparator: Sham Training (ST)
  Participants will be Veterans assigned to the sham training comparator (ST), a non-training cognitive program matched for time and memory demands.

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), cognitive domain [ Time Frame: baseline, post (week 10), 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up ]

Central Contacts

• Jessica A Bomyea, PhD
  (858) 642-3720
  [email protected]

Locations (1)

Find similar trials in San Diego, CA

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