Actively Recruiting
Identifying Clinically Relevant Neural Circuit Mechanisms of Cognitive Control Training for PTSD
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2025-09-08
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating whether a working memory training (WMT) program can improve fear extinction learning and its related brain circuits in Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study aims to better understand how working memory relates to fear extinction and PTSD symptoms, potentially offering a new way to enhance exposure therapy or serve as a standalone treatment. This research supports the Department of Veteran Affairs' mission to develop effective treatments for Veterans with PTSD. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either an 8-session computer-based working memory training program or a sham training program over four weeks. The WMT is designed to challenge and improve working memory by increasing difficulty as participants progress, while the sham training involves a similar task with less demand on working memory. The study includes pre- and post-training assessments, including MRI scans and fear extinction tasks. During the study, Veterans will complete behavioral tasks measuring fear extinction, working memory capacity, and cognitive control before and after training. Researchers will monitor brain activity using MRI and measure physiological responses related to fear extinction. The primary outcomes include behavioral threat expectancy, skin response, and brain activity during extinction. The study duration spans about 5 to 6 weeks, including assessments and training sessions.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Cognitive Control Training for Extinction in PTSD
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Fluent in English
- Meet current DSM-5 criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Willing to attend 8 remote working memory training sessions over four weeks
- Willing to attend MRI scans before and after working memory training
- Stable for 4 weeks on pharmacological and psychosocial treatments
You will not qualify if you...
- Lifetime history of psychotic disorders or bipolar disorder
- Severe substance use or alcohol use disorder within the past year (mild-to-moderate alcohol use allowed)
- History of neurological disorders linked to cognitive dysfunction (e.g., stroke, brain surgery, aneurysm, seizures)
- Acute suicidality requiring immediate clinical intervention
- Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (mild to moderate TBI allowed)
- Use of benzodiazepines or anticholinergic medications affecting fear learning
- Inability to safely complete MRI scans (e.g., metal implants)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants complete 8 sessions of either working memory training or sham training over four weeks to assess changes in cognitive control and fear extinction.
8 remote sessions
Duration - Approximately 5 to 6 weeks
Participants complete MRI scans and cognitive tasks before and after training to evaluate behavioral, psychophysiological, and neural changes.
2 visits (in-person, pre- and post-training)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
San Diego, California, United States, 92161-0002
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Daniel M Stout, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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