Examining the efficacy of d-cycloserine to augment therapeutic learning in depression.
Despite advances in individual and combined treatments for major depression, issues with non-response and partial-response remain relatively common, motivating the search for new treatment strategies. This study aims to develop one such novel treatment. In this proof-of-concept study, we are investigating whether the treatment enhancing effects of d-cycloserine (DCS) administration can be extended outside the extinction-learning paradigms where they have been primarily examined. Using uniform delivery of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) content via computer-administered interventions for depression, we are assessing the value of pre-session administrations of DCS for retention of therapeutic learning. Recall of this information is evaluated in conjunction with performance on standardized tests of memory recall with both emotional and non-emotional stimuli. Specifically, in a randomized, double-blind trial we will compare the benefits of two pre-session administrations of DCS augmentation to those achieved by similar administrations of modafinil or placebo. Because modafinil is associated with a number of discriminable effects in addition to cognitive enhancement (e.g., feelings of vigor, alertness, positive mood); whereas these effects would not be expected with DCS, we will assess drug context effects in relation to memory augmentation effects.
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, United States. Electronic address: mwotto@bu.edu.
Michael W
MW
Otto
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, United States.
Josephine
J
Lee
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, United States.
Stefan G
SG
Hofmann
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, United States.
Bridget A
BA
Hearon
Institute for Mental Health Research and Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, United States.
Jasper A J
JA
Smits
Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, United States.
David
D
Rosenfield
Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, United States.
Maurizio
M
Fava
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, United States.
Jesse H
JH
Wright
D000963:Antimetabolites / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003523:Cycloserine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D000077408:Modafinil; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D064690:Wakefulness-Promoting Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000963:Antimetabolites; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D064690:Wakefulness-Promoting Agents; D003523:Cycloserine; D000077408:Modafinil
Cognitive behavioral therapy; Declarative memory; Depression; Modafinil; d-cycloserine