Combining Trauma Therapy with Computer-Based Neurocognitive Training in Soldiers with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Quasi-Experimental Study on Symptom Reduction and Long-Term Memory Functions

Patric Muschner^1*Lena Goldschmidt¹Luisa Sophie Gröning¹Jennifer Spohrs²Gerd-Dieter Willmund³Martina Piefke¹

• ¹Neurobiology and Genetics of Behavior, Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy, Witten/Herdecke, Germany
• ²Clinic of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology, Bundeswehr Hospital, Ulm, Germany
• ³Bundeswehr Centre for Military Mental Health, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Introduction: Cognitive training has the potential to reduce symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but its effects on memory dysfunctions related to the disorder remain unclear. Goal of this study was to examine if a computer-based neurocognitive training (c-bnt) improves verbal and visuospatial long-term memory and reduces PTSD and depressive symptoms in active soldiers with PTSD. Methods: In a quasi-randomized controlled design, soldiers suffering from PTSD were assigned to an intervention group (IG) or treatment as usual group (tauG). Long-term memory performance was assessed using the Verbal Learning and Memory Test (VLMT) and Visual Path Learning Test (VWLT) at baseline and after a three-week intervention period. Severity of PTSD symptoms and depression was assessed with the PTSD Checklist for DSM 5 (PCL-5) and the revised version of Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Mixed ANOVAs and mediation analyses were applied to test intervention effects and putatively mediating influences of depression. Results: Compared to the tauG, the IG showed significant reductions in the PTSD symptoms avoidance (p = .038), negative cognitions (p = .044), as well as depression (p = .026). No significant improvements in verbal or visuospatial long-term memory were observed (all p > .05). Mediation analyses revealed no indirect effects of depressive symptoms on memory outcomes. Discussion & Conclusion: C-bnt was associated with modest, domain-specific reductions in PTSD-related avoidance and depressive symptoms at post-treatment, while no improvements in verbal or visuospatial long-term memory performance were observed. Symptom relief may thus be based on intermingled changes of diverse cognitive resources and emotional processes. We suggest that c-bnt may serve as a low-threshold adjunct to trauma-focused therapy, that may help to improve health condition and capabilities of everyday life in soldiers with PTSD.