Actively Recruiting
Cognitive Control Training for Extinction in PTSD
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2025-09-08
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
208 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
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.
CONDITIONS
Official 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 pharmacological and psychosocial treatments for at least 4 weeks
You will not qualify if you...
- Lifetime history of psychotic disorders or bipolar disorder
- Severe substance use or severe alcohol use disorder in the past year (mild-to-moderate alcohol use allowed)
- History of neurological disorders causing cognitive dysfunction (e.g., stroke, brain surgery, aneurysm, seizures)
- Acute suicidality needing 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 undergo MRI (e.g., metal in body, medical implants)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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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
CONTACT
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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