Bjørn Ingulfsvann Hagen1, Bjørn Lau2, Jutta Joormann3, Milada Cvancarova Småstuen4, Nils Inge Landrø2, Jan Stubberud5. 1. Department of Research, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Norway. Electronic address: boha@lds.no. 2. Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway. 3. Department of Psychology, Yale University, United States. 4. Department of Research, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Norway; Faculty of Health Science, Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway. 5. Department of Research, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with deficits in executive functioning (EF) that may have a detrimental effect on everyday functioning. Despite this, there are no established cognitive remediation interventions available targeting EF in MDD. Hence, the primary aim of the present pre-registered randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of Goal Management Training (GMT), a metacognitive and strategy-based cognitive remediation intervention to improve EF in MDD. METHODS:Sixty-three participants with current or previous mild or moderate MDD and self-reported executive deficits were included and randomized to nine sessions of either GMT (two hours, once weekly; n = 35) or computerized cognitive training (one hour, twice weekly; n = 28). Assessments were conducted at baseline (T1), immediately following training (T2), and at six-month follow-up (T3). The primary outcome measure was The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult version, pertained to daily life EF. Secondary outcome measures included additional EF assessments (performance-based measures and questionnaires), and depressive symptom severity. RESULTS: Forty-three participants completed treatment. Both groups improved following training, and linear mixed model analyses revealed no statistically significant differences between the groups for any outcome measure. Additional exploratory within-group analyses revealed a statistically significant reduction of everyday executive dysfunction and reduced depressive symptoms at the six-month follow-up in GMT only. LIMITATIONS: The study was single-blind, and the sample size was modest. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate comparable improvements in everyday and performance-based measures of EF, in addition to reductions in depressive symptoms following both GMT and CCT.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with deficits in executive functioning (EF) that may have a detrimental effect on everyday functioning. Despite this, there are no established cognitive remediation interventions available targeting EF in MDD. Hence, the primary aim of the present pre-registered randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of Goal Management Training (GMT), a metacognitive and strategy-based cognitive remediation intervention to improve EF in MDD. METHODS: Sixty-three participants with current or previous mild or moderate MDD and self-reported executive deficits were included and randomized to nine sessions of either GMT (two hours, once weekly; n = 35) or computerized cognitive training (one hour, twice weekly; n = 28). Assessments were conducted at baseline (T1), immediately following training (T2), and at six-month follow-up (T3). The primary outcome measure was The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult version, pertained to daily life EF. Secondary outcome measures included additional EF assessments (performance-based measures and questionnaires), and depressive symptom severity. RESULTS: Forty-three participants completed treatment. Both groups improved following training, and linear mixed model analyses revealed no statistically significant differences between the groups for any outcome measure. Additional exploratory within-group analyses revealed a statistically significant reduction of everyday executive dysfunction and reduced depressive symptoms at the six-month follow-up in GMT only. LIMITATIONS: The study was single-blind, and the sample size was modest. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate comparable improvements in everyday and performance-based measures of EF, in addition to reductions in depressive symptoms following both GMT and CCT.
Authors: Jenna E Boyd; Brahm D Sanger; Duncan H Cameron; Alina Protopopescu; Randi E McCabe; Charlene O'Connor; Ruth A Lanius; Margaret C McKinnon Journal: Brain Sci Date: 2022-06-30