title: Interference control training for PTSD: A randomized controlled trial of a novel computer-based intervention.
abstract: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic and debilitating condition characterized by persistent intrusive memories. Although effective treatments exist for PTSD, there is a need for development of alternative treatments. Diminished ability to control proactive interference may contribute to re-experiencing symptoms and may be a novel intervention target. The present study tested an intervention designed to modify proactive interference control clinicaltrials.gov identifier: (NCT02139137). Forty-two women with PTSD were randomly assigned to a computerized cognitive training or a control condition. The impact of these programs on cognitive performance and symptoms was assessed. PTSD re-experiencing symptoms and interference control performance improved significantly more for individuals in the training group relative to those in the control group. Other PTSD and general distress symptoms improved equally over time in both groups. Cognitive training of this type may hold promise as a novel intervention for reducing PTSD symptoms, although the mechanism of action and implications for models of PTSD requires future study.
authors.affiliation: University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, CA, United States. Electronic address: jbomyea@ucsd.edu.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bomyea
authors.affiliation: University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, CA, United States; University of California, San Diego, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, San Diego, CA, United States. Electronic address: mstein@ucsd.edu.
authors.forename: Murray B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.affiliation: University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, CA, United States; VA San Diego, Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA, United States. Electronic address: ajlang@ucsd.edu.
authors.forename: Ariel J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Lang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D008875:Middle Aged; D057566:Self Report; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cognitive control; Cognitive training; Executive functioning; PTSD; Treatment