Randomized controlled trial of computerized working memory training for Veterans with PTSD

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychiatric condition among Veterans that is associated with deficits across a range of neuropsychological domains including working memory. While gold-standard psychosocial treatments are highly effective, there still remains a high rate of individuals who do not engage with or fully benefit from them. Cognitive training targeting specific working memory deficits in PTSD presents an alternative treatment approach that has shown promise for reducing re-experiencing symptoms. The current study evaluated a 16-session working memory training (WMT) program in Veterans with PTSD, focusing on two levels of interference control training. Feasibility, acceptability, and clinical efficacy were assessed. Results indicated that the intervention was generally feasible and acceptable to Veterans and revealed similar effects between groups in the intent to treat analyses; however, the high interference control training group yielded greater re-experiencing symptom reductions than the low interference control training group among individuals who were protocol adherent (Hedges' g = 0.57). There were significant reductions in overall PTSD severity across groups. Results are broadly consistent with theoretical models and prior clinical trials linking working memory task improvement to re-experiencing symptom reductions. These results point to the potential for working memory training to be a viable intervention for PTSD in Veterans, though further research is necessary for validation and exploration of broader clinical outcomes.