Cognitive Control Training for Depression

NCT01454141 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: BU-2182E
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 56
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Depression is frequently characterized by patterns of inflexible, maladaptive, and ruminative thinking styles; these patterns themselves are thought to result from a combination of decreased attentional control, decreased executive functioning, and increased negative affect. Specifically, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex has been hypothesized to play a central role in emotion regulation by recruiting resources necessary for executive control. Recent advances have been made in neurobehavioral training strategies as interventions for emotional disorders such as depression. Cognitive control training (CCT) uses computer-based exercises to recruit and activate prefrontal neural networks via repeated behavioral exercises, with the aim of strengthening cognitive and emotional functions. A previous study found that severely depressed participants who received CCT exhibited reduced negative affect and rumination as well as improved focus and concentration. The present study aimed to extend this line of research by employing a more stringent control group and testing the efficacy of three sessions of CCT over a two-week period in a community population with depressed mood. Forty-eight participants with high BDI-II scores were randomized to CCT or a comparison condition (Peripheral Vision Training; PVT). The investigators hypothesized that relative to a control condition (PVT), CCT would be associated with less self-reported negative mood and emotional reactivity.

Conditions

Depression

Keywords

Depressed mood

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Beck Depression Inventory

  Change score in BDI was assessed between CCT and PVT groups.

  two weeks

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Change in Positive and Negative Affective Scale (PANAS)

  two weeks

• Emotional Response and Recovery Task

  two weeks

• Changes in Visual Analog Scales

  two weeks

Study Arms (2)

Peripheral Vision Task

EXPERIMENTAL

During this task participants viewed a circular array of 15 discs and were asked to move their attention, but not their eyes, clockwise around the array while auditory tones were presented. Following the presentation of a distinct target tone, the discs changed color and participants reported the color of the disc by pressing a designated button on the keyboard. This task was developed to be a non-active control condition, targeting visual and occipital areas of the brain, and therefore allows us to discriminate between the effects of completing a computer-based task from interventions that specifically target the PFC.

Other: Peripheral Vision Task

Cognitive Control Training

EXPERIMENTAL

Cognitive Control Training (CCT) A modified version of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) and the Attention Control Intervention were used to train participants' attentional control in accordance with procedures used by Siegle and colleagues.

Other: Cognitive Control Training

Interventions

Cognitive Control Training OTHER

Three sessions of CCT.

Cognitive Control Training

Peripheral Vision Task OTHER

Three sessions of PVT.

Peripheral Vision Task

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• BU students and local community members.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Familiarity with a computer keyboard.
• BDI-II score ≥ 17

You may not qualify if:

• BDI-II score \< 17, or \> 35

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Boston University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Depression; Consciousness Disorders

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior; Neurobehavioral Manifestations; Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Neurocognitive Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: October 13, 2011
• First Posted: October 18, 2011
• Study Start: July 1, 2010
• Primary Completion: June 1, 2011
• Study Completion: June 1, 2011
• Last Updated: October 18, 2011

Record last verified: 2011-10

Locations

US (1)