Psychosocial Factors and Efficacy of Remote Cognitive Remediation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Conditions studied

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD

About this study

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether computer-based brain training can help adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals with PTSD often experience difficulties with memory, attention, concentration, and problem-solving, which can significantly affect their daily lives, work performance, and overall quality of life. These cognitive challenges can hinder trauma recovery and reduce the effectiveness of standard PTSD treatments. The main questions this study seeks to address are: Does specialized brain training improve PTSD symptoms compared to regular computer games? Does brain training enhance cognitive functions such as memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functioning? Does brain training improve quality of life and daily functioning? Do participants' self-efficacy and perceived social support influence treatment outcomes? Researchers will compare two approaches: a specialized cognitive training program (HAPPYneuron Pro) with strategy teachings and quality-of-life discussions, versus engaging computer games with quality-of-life discussions, to determine which is more effective for people with PTSD. Study Design Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups for an 8-week program: Cognitive remediation training group: Complete computerized cognitive exercises and strategy teachings specifically designed to strengthen memory, attention, and executive functions, combined with quality-of-life discussions. Control group: Complete engaging computer games combined with quality-of-life discussions. Schedule Both groups will follow the same schedule: One online session per week, in small and consistent groups of 4-8 participants. Each 60-minute session consists of 30 minutes of computer activities followed by 45 minutes of group discussion. One at-home individual homework exercise per week (30 minutes at home). Total time commitment: 1h45 per week for 8 weeks. Assessments All participants will complete three comprehensive assessment sessions: before treatment, immediately after the 8-week program, and 3 months later. Assessments include neuropsychological testing and questionnaires on PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, quality of life, satisfaction with life, social support, cognitive failures, and self-efficacy. Significance This research evaluates a new, accessible and remotely deliverable approach for PTSD treatment. Current evidence-based treatments often do not directly target the…

Interventions

• Behavioral: Cognitive Remediation Training — Cognitive Remediation Training: Eight-week remote program using HAPPYneuron Pro software targeting attention, verbal memory, processing speed, and executive functions. Participants attend weekly 75-minute group sessions (four to eight participants) via videoconferencing: 30 minutes of computerized cognitive exercises and 45 minutes of guided discussion on metacognitive strategies and quality-of-life topics. Weekly homework assignments (45 minutes) reinforce skills. Sessions target attention (selective, sustained, divided), verbal memory (encoding, recall, recognition), and executive functions (planning, problem-solving, cognitive flexibility, inhibition). Strategy teachings address attention, verbal memory, planning, problem-solving, emotion regulation, meditation, and cognitive flexibility. Quality of life discussions (summarized format) cover sleep, nutrition, physical activity, social support, cultural activities, nature-based activities, relaxation, and substance use behaviors.
• Other: Control Group — Video Games with Quality of Life Support: Eight-week active control program combining commercial video games with quality of life discussions. Participants will attend weekly 75-minute group sessions via secure videoconferencing (four to eight participants) , consisting of 30 minutes of entertaining computer games from the Poki.com platform (games include Bubbles, Sweet World, Minesweeper, etc.) and 45 minutes of group discussions on healthy lifestyle topics including sleep, nutrition, physical activity, social support, cultural activities, nature-based activities, relaxation, and substance use behaviors. Weekly individual gaming assignments (30 minutes) maintain engagement. Games are selected for entertainment value without proven cognitive benefits. Discussions focus on general wellness and lifestyle factors rather than cognitive strategy development.

Primary outcomes

• Satisfaction with Life Scale (Baseline (Week 0), Post-intervention (Week 8), 3-month follow-up (Week 20))
• Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (Baseline (Week 0), Post-intervention (Week 8), 3-month follow-up (Week 20))
• World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief (Baseline (Week 0), Post-intervention (Week 8), 3-month follow-up (Week 20))
• Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Baseline (Week 0), Post-intervention (Week 8), 3-month follow-up (Week 20))
• General Self-Efficacy Scale (Baseline (Week 0), Post-intervention (Week 8), 3-month follow-up (Week 20))
• Self-Efficacy Scale for Cognitive Remediation Therapy (Baseline (Week 0), Post-intervention (Week 8), 3-month follow-up (Week 20))
• Continuous Performance Test with Rapid Automatized Naming (Baseline (Week 0), Post-intervention (Week 8), 3-month follow-up (Week 20))
• Visual Search Task (Baseline (Week 0), Post-intervention (Week 8), 3-month follow-up (Week 20))

Eligibility information

Study locations

• Pavillon Adrien-Pinard (SU), Montreal, Quebec H2X 3P2 Canada