NCT06629064 Cognitive Control Training for Extinction in PTSD
| NCT ID | NCT06629064 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development |
| Condition | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 120 participants |
| Start Date | 2024-10-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2028-09-30 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 120 participants in total. It began in 2024-10-01 with a primary completion date of 2028-09-30.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
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.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Fluent in English * Meet current DSM-5 criteria for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder * Are willing to attend 8 total remote sessions of working memory training over course of four weeks * Are willing to attend MRI scans pre and post working memory training * 4-week stability on pharmacological and psychosocial treatments Exclusion Criteria: * A lifetime history of psychotic disorders, lifetime history of bipolar disorder * Past-year severe substance use and severe alcohol use disorder. Mild-to-moderate alcohol use disorder will be allowed to enhance generalizability in our sample due to the high comorbidity of alcohol use and PTSD * History of any neurological disorder that might be associated with cognitive dysfunction (e.g., cerebrovascular accident, intracranial surgery, aneurysm, seizure disorder) * Acute suicidality requiring immediate clinical intervention * Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, mild to moderate levels of TBI (mTBI) will be included. * Receiving benzodiazepines or medications with anticholinergic effects that may affect fear learning measures * Inability to safely complete fMRI session (i.e., metal in body, medical implants)
Contact & Investigator
Daniel M Stout, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06629064 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 65 Years, studying Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06629064 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06629064 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at Daniel.Stout@va.gov for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06629064 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at San Diego, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06629064 clinical trial?
NCT06629064 is sponsored by VA Office of Research and Development. The principal investigator is Daniel M Stout, PhD at VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA. The trial plans to enroll 120 participants.