Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 20, 2025
Simultaneous Application of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation during Virtual Reality Exposure
Published on: January 18, 2021
An Open-Label Feasibility Trial Examining the Effectiveness of a Cognitive Training Program, Goal Management
Jenna E Boyd1,2,3, Charlene O'Connor3,4, Alina Protopopescu1,2,3
1Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with dysfunction across multiple cognitive domains including executive functioning, attention, and verbal memory. This dysfunction is associated with negative impacts on functional outcomes (e.g., work or social functioning) and reduced response to psychotherapy for PTSD. Despite this knowledge, little work has investigated the efficacy of cognitive remediation strategies in improving cognition and functional outcomes among individuals with PTSD.
Objective:
The current study investigated the efficacy of an established cognitive remediation program, Goal Management Training (GMT), in improving cognitive functioning in a pilot sample of individuals with PTSD symptoms in an inpatient treatment setting.
Method:
Thirty-four inpatients with PTSD symptoms participated in either GMT in addition to treatment as usual (TAU; consisting of psychiatric management, group and individual psychotherapy) (TAU+GMT; n = 18) or TAU alone (n = 16). The TAU+GMT group received neuropsychological assessment at baseline and posttreatment, while both the TAU+GMT and TAU groups received assessment with clinical self-report measures at baseline and posttreatment.
Results:
Paired-sample t-tests revealed significant improvements on measures of executive functioning (e.g., response inhibition, cognitive flexibility), processing speed, sustained attention, and verbal memory in the TAU+GMT group. Mixed-design analyses of variance (ANOVAs) revealed a trend toward an interaction effect indicating potentially greater improvements on a measure of the ability to engage in goal-directed behaviors while highly emotional in the TAU+GMT group as compared to the TAU group.
Discussion:
The results of this small feasibility investigation of GMT in PTSD point toward the potential efficacy of GMT in ameliorating cognitive difficulties in individuals with PTSD.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
01:25Cognitive Therapy
01:27Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
01:25Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
01:30Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...