Group cognitive rehabilitation for Veterans with depression-related thinking problems
Cognitive Rehabilitation for Veterans With MDD-related Cognitive Functioning Deficits, w/ Joren Adams
This trial tests whether an 8-week group program that teaches compensatory thinking strategies with motivational and mindfulness supports can help Veterans treated for major depression who still have memory, attention, or other thinking problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Portland VA Medical Center Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Portland, Oregon) |
| Trial ID | NCT06728774 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot compares a manualized, group-based Motivationally Enhanced Compensatory Cognitive Training for MDD (ME-CCT-MDD) delivered 8 weeks at 2 hours per week to a robust Goal-focused Supportive Contact comparator in Veterans with persistent cognitive complaints after treatment for MDD. Eligible participants are Veterans treated for MDD at the Portland VA within the past year, have moderate depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥10), and show objective cognitive deficits on at least two measures in one domain (≥1 SD below age norms), with exclusions for dementia, recent substance use disorder, and traumatic brain injury. ME-CCT-MDD combines compensatory cognitive strategies, mindfulness practices, and motivational interviewing to encourage adoption of lifestyle and cognitive strategies (e.g., exercise, nutrition, organization) alongside standard MDD care. The primary aims are to test feasibility and acceptability in this population, with cognitive and mood outcomes measured before and after the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans aged 18 or older who received treatment for MDD at the Portland VA within the past year, have moderate depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥10), report cognitive complaints and show objective deficits on testing, and can attend weekly in-person group sessions.
Not a fit: Patients with dementia, a recent substance use disorder, a history of traumatic brain injury, severe global cognitive impairment, or those unable to participate in in-person weekly groups are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help Veterans improve everyday memory, attention, and problem-solving skills and reduce the functional impact of cognitive problems and risk of relapse.
How similar studies have performed: Compensatory Cognitive Training has demonstrated benefits in populations such as mild traumatic brain injury, psychosis, and mild cognitive impairment, but its specific adaptation for Major Depressive Disorder is less tested and remains preliminary though promising.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Veterans 18 years of age or older 2. Self-reported concerns about cognitive functioning deficits or clinical concerns about cognitive functioning deficits documented in EHR 3. meets DSM-5 criteria for MDD and receiving treatment for this diagnosis at the Portland VA within the past year 4. moderate or greater depressive symptoms as assessed by a PHQ-9 score ≥ 10 5. current cognitive functioning deficits as determined by performance on at least two measures in one cognitive domain (i.e., memory, attention/processing speed, language, executive functioning) falling ≥1 SD below their age-appropriate norms in the absence of memory impairment. Exclusion Criteria: 1. impaired capacity to understand study risks and benefits 2. history of TBI as defined by American College of Rehabilitation Medicine and VA/DoD criteria 3. meets DSM-5 criteria for a substance use disorder other than nicotine use disorder in the past 6 months 4. meets DSM-5 criteria for dementia, psychotic disorder, or "with psychotic features" specifier 5. active suicidal intent with significant clinical risk 6. auditory or visual impairments that would prevent ability to participate in cognitive rehabilitation group or assessments. Eligibility will be established by electronic medical record review conducted by study staff and will be confirmed by the Veteran during the initial phone call.
Where this trial is running
Portland, Oregon
- Portland VA Medical Center — Portland, Oregon, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maya O'Neil, PhD — Portland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Joren Adams
- Email: joren.adams@va.gov
- Phone: 503-220-8262
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.