Study of Working Memory Training Program to Improve Fear Extinction in Veterans with PTSD Using Neural and Behavioral Measures Before and After Training

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to determine if a working memory training WMT program can improve fear extinction learning and its related brain function in Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD. PTSD causes significant impairment in Veterans, and current treatments do not fully alleviate symptoms for many individuals. The study explores the connection between working memory and fear extinction, a key process targeted in exposure therapies for PTSD, to better understand and potentially enhance treatment outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an 8-session working memory training program or a sham training over four weeks. The working memory training involves a computer-based task that becomes harder as participants improve, designed to enhance working memory function. The sham training uses a similar computer task but with less demand on working memory. Before and after training, participants will undergo fear extinction and working memory tests, along with brain imaging using MRI. Throughout the study, Veterans will attend remote sessions for training and come in for MRI scans before and after the training period. Researchers will measure behavioral responses, brain activity during fear extinction, and changes in working memory capacity. The study will track these outcomes over about 5 to 6 weeks to evaluate whether the training affects fear extinction and neural mechanisms relevant to PTSD treatment.

Cognitive Control Training for Extinction in PTSD