Cognitive training for anxiety, depression, and PTSD
Official title: Enhancing Transdiagnostic Mechanisms of Cognitive Dyscontrol
Run by University of California, San Diego · NCT06273527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a brain training program to see if it can help people with anxiety, depression, or PTSD think more clearly and feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase2; Phase3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 21 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Diego Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Diego, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 24, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06273527 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 21-55 with a diagnosis of mood, anxiety, or traumatic stress disorder and clinically elevated repetitive negative thinking.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, or those currently receiving psychosocial treatment may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate the cognitive and neural effects of a cognitive training intervention in individuals seeking treatment for anxiety, depression, or traumatic stress symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a cognitive training program designed to enhance executive functioning or a control program believed to be less effective. The study will compare cognitive performance and brain responses during tasks before and after the intervention, focusing on the reduction of repetitive negative thinking symptoms. The ultimate goal is to develop effective cognitive training programs that can improve cognition and alleviate symptoms associated with these common psychiatric conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve cognitive functioning and reduce symptoms in patients with anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
How similar studies have gone: While cognitive training interventions have been explored in various contexts, this specific approach targeting executive functioning in mood and anxiety disorders is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age 21-55 * fluent in English * diagnosis of mood, anxiety, or traumatic stress disorder * clinically elevated repetitive negative thinking * outpatient status * 6-week stability if taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications Exclusion Criteria: * past year diagnosis of severe alcohol or moderate or greater substance use disorder * lifetime history of psychotic or bipolar I disorder * acute suicidality necessitating immediate clinical intervention * neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental disorders * history of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury or other known neurological condition * sensory deficits that would preclude completing tasks * conditions unsafe for completing MRI scanning (e.g., metal in body) * current pregnancy * currently receiving psychosocial treatment * currently receiving psychiatric pharmacotherapy, except SSRIs
Where it's running
-
UC San Diego
San Diego, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jessica Bomyea, Ph.D.
- Email: jbomyea@health.ucsd.edu
- Phone: 858.552.8585
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.