Synthesis Project Report

Annotated Bibliography and Synthesis Your Name Subject and Section Professor’s Name December 10, 2024 PART 1 Annotated Bibliography Bomyea, J. et al. (2024). Working memory training to reduce PTSD re-experiencing symptoms: A controlled trial. Cognitive Therapy Research, 48(2), 321–338. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-023-10789 Key Terms Working memory, PTSD, Veterans, interference control, cognitive training Introduction Motivation for Current Study The effectiveness of high-interference cognitive training as a treatment approach for PTSD symptoms in Veterans and the impact on re-experiencing symptoms are the main objectives of this research. There is a low level of compliance with or effectiveness of conventional EB treatments, making it necessary to search for further forms. The researchers sought to examine whether WM can be improved through the method based on ICI control in order to reduce cognitive impairments and, as a correlate, PTSD symptoms. Major Theories This study examines Baddeley's working memory model and the interference control hypothesis. Fearful memories are posited to be filtered by working memory, which, if enhanced, can help to reduce intrusive symptoms common in PTSD. Hypotheses The first research question formulated the central hypothesis that Veterans who performed high-interference cognitive training would demonstrate a more significant decrease in PTSD re-experiencing symptoms than the subjects in the low-interference control group. Method Participants Sixty-four US patients diagnosed with PTSD were identified for this study. Participants were 28–64 years old, recruited proportionally across age and symptom severity, and randomly assigned to high- and low-interference training. Setting and Research Design This study was conducted in a university-affiliated mental health center using a randomized, parallel-group design (Cell H: experimental, comparative). Questionnaires and Measures * PCL-5: Assessed the total PTSD symptoms, especially the re-experiencing symptoms. * CAPS-5: Standardised interview for measuring symptoms of PTSD and how often they were experienced. Scholars identified procedures and interventions as a dimension of the P4C process with five possible sub-dimensions: 16 sessions spread over four weeks with participants performing computer-based memory tasks with different levels of interference control being built in. The high-interference group was involved in tasks developed to categorize and modify the trauma memory, and the low-interference group was given tasks that required minimal cognitive load. Key Results and Findings The Taylor Reid procedure examining PTSD re-experiencing symptoms demonstrated that the high-interference group had an effect size of Hedges' g = 0.41 compared to the low-interference group. Both groups showed a trend toward general improvement across the severity of PTSD, but it was more marked in the high-interference group. Hence, the present studies support the idea that specifically tailored cognitive training could enrich the existing forms of treatment. Discussion Highlights Interpretation of Results These findings lend evidence to the desirability of working memory training to reduce PTSD effects based on increased interference control. This approach replaces the content of the trauma rather than looking at diagrams, essentially fixing exact cognitive imperatives. Strengths and Limitations This is an advantage since the use of VA emphasizes Veterans, many of whom are likely to have PTSD. Possible limitations concerning the presented research are the use of questionnaires as the source of data and the lack of verification with a follow-up to identify the long-lasting results of the studied intervention. Future Directions Subsequent research has to investigate the possibility of combining working memory training with current forms of treatment and its effectiveness in different subtypes of PTSD patients. Connection with the Review Paper These findings are consistent with the review article's specific direction to enhance working memory with specific neural interferences. This study enriches theoretical knowledge by showing the practical complex gains of cognitive training, reducing PTSD re-experiencing symptoms. Bomyea, J., Caudle, M. M., Dugas, N., Moore, R. C., Simmons, A. N., & Thomas, M. L. (2024). A randomized controlled trial of computerized cognitive training to improve working memory in individuals with elevated repetitive negative thinking: Behavioral and neural outcomes. Journal of Mood & Anxiety Disorders, 10(100095), pp. 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xjmad.2024.100095 Key Terms Working memory, repetitive negative thinking (RNT), computerized training, cognitive performance, frontoparietal neural activity Introduction Motivation for Current Study This paper assesses the effects of computerized working memory training (WMT) in the following groups: individuals diagnosed with mood, anxiety, or traumatic stress disorder who exhibit high levels of repetitive negative thinking (RNT). Studies conducted earlier have suggested that RNT has a detrimental effect on working memory, and much more still needs to be understood about practical approaches to intervention. Thus, the authors aimed to investigate whether WMT could enhance working memory and decrease RNT severity from behavioral and neural perspectives. Major Theories This research draws its framework from cognitive theories of neuroplasticity as it assumes that precise approaches to the alteration of executive functioning associated with RNT are achievable. The study also implements the National Institute of Mental Health experimental therapeutics approach, which focuses on the specific types of cognitive targets designed to produce clinical change. Hypotheses A priori prediction concerned enhancements of working memory performance and the respective patterns of frontoparietal neural activity in WMT participants compared to a waitlist control group. Method Participants The study included 73 clinically symptomatic adults who were diagnosed with mood, anxiety, or traumatic stress disorders, aged 20-50 years, with clinical RNT scores. Trial recruits were randomly allocated to an 8-session WMT, 16-session WMT, or a Waitlist control group (WL). Setting and Research Design The assessments were done at a university laboratory, where participants undertook the telehealth-administered WMT session. The randomized controlled trial used a three-arm parallel design, incorporating behavioral and neural outcome measures (Cell K: experimental, longitudinal). Questionnaires and Measures * Operation Span Task (Ospan): Evaluated working memory capacity using novel stimuli. * Reading Span Task (Rspan): Assessed neural activation associated with working memory via fMRI. * NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery: Measured general cognitive performance, including fluid intelligence. Procedures and Interventions The WMT intervention included working memory span size extension exercises accompanied by tasks appropriate for high interference control. The SN parenthood program comprised 8 or 16 individually offered sessions ranging from 30–45 minutes per session over 4 weeks. The WL group, on the other hand, was not administered any intervention during this period. Key Results and Findings The WMT group had better Ospan performance and lesser neural activation in the frontal-parietal areas, indicating better cognitive economy. Success in WMT was also reflected in the growth of fluid intelligence scores compared with WL controls. A comparison between the 8-session and 16-session WMT groups revealed no significant differences, meaning that the elongation of training sessions may have diminished value. Discussion Highlights Interpretation of Results The results indicate the efficacy of WMT in enhancing working memory and other GECs for clients with high RNT. Disengaged neural activity concurs with enhanced neural economy when training in a particular area. Strengths and Limitations The study has strong methodological features, including an e...