Recruitment

Recruitment Status
Not yet recruiting
Estimated Enrollment
Same as current

Summary

Conditions
  • Cognitive Deficit
  • Cognitive Dysfunction
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • PTSD
Type
Interventional
Phase
Not Applicable
Design
Allocation: RandomizedIntervention Model: Parallel AssignmentIntervention Model Description: This study is an effectiveness trial investigating neurofeedback as an intervention for both symptoms of PTSD, and the commonly associated cognitive impairment/dysfunction (e.g., attention, executive function, processing speed). Participants will be randomized to one of two conditions: NFB or Wait List.Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)Primary Purpose: Treatment

Participation Requirements

Age
Between 18 years and 65 years
Gender
Both males and females

Description

PTSD has an emotional impact on individuals, but it is also associated with impaired cognitive functioning (e.g., processing speed, attention, executive functioning). Unfortunately, there is little research investigating both issues simultaneously. The current study is an effectiveness trial for an ...

PTSD has an emotional impact on individuals, but it is also associated with impaired cognitive functioning (e.g., processing speed, attention, executive functioning). Unfortunately, there is little research investigating both issues simultaneously. The current study is an effectiveness trial for an intervention called neurofeedback (NFB), which may be helpful in addressing both PTSD symptom severity, and cognitive dysfunction. NFB is a type of brain training in which a person is given real-time information (or feedback) from their own brain activity to help them potentially change how their brain is functioning (i.e., to work in a healthier or more effective manner). NFB has been in use for over 30 years, and it is proven to be quite effective in treating ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder); however, it has not been embraced as a clinical intervention for other mental health disorders. Recent systematic reviews of NFB suggest that this treatment intervention can lead to significant clinical improvements (e.g., reduction in PTSD severity), and it can impact both functional brain activity and cognitive function. The current study hopes to bring these 3 areas of interest together by investigating the impact of NFB on PTSD symptoms, cognitive ability, and intrinsic neurological connectivity (via fMRI - function magnetic imaging). In the current study, participants will be randomized into one of two conditions: NFB or Wait List. Those in the NFB condition will begin 19 weekly, supervised (via teleconferencing) sessions of NFB, while the Wait List will not receive NFB for approximately 31 weeks (i.e., not until final assessments are complete). After all assessments are complete, participants in the Wait List condition will be able to begin the same 19 sessions of NFB. Study participation includes pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up assessments, and 2 optional fMRI scans. Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, this study will be conducted primarily online.

Tracking Information

NCT #
NCT04654130
Collaborators
  • McMaster University
  • FDC Foundation
Investigators
Principal Investigator: Ruth Lanius, MD, PhD Lawson Health Research Institute