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Enhancing transdiagnostic mechanisms of cognitive dyscontrol using computer-based training

Award Number: R33MH127005
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/15/2021
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2027

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Enhancing transdiagnostic mechanisms of cognitive dyscontrol using computer-based training - Mood, anxiety, and traumatic stress disorders are common psychiatric conditions - affecting over 40 million U.S. adults - and are leading causes of disability worldwide. People with these conditions are commonly plagued by difficulty controlling distressing personal thoughts and memories, collectively referred to as repetitive negative thinking symptoms. Models suggest that repetitive negative thinking is driven by executive functioning deficits, such that cognitive resources are insufficient to downregulate unwanted thoughts. Executive functioning deficits could be a promising treatment target but are not typically addressed with existing interventions. The long-term goal advanced by this proposal is to develop effective, mechanistic cognitive training programs that can improve cognition and reduce symptoms associated with mood, anxiety, and traumatic stress disorders. The objectives of this proposal are first to determine the optimal dose of a cognitive training program designed to improve executive functioning in this population using behavioral and neural outcomes (R61). If the cognitive training tested in the R61 successfully improves executive functioning (go/no-go decision), we will evaluate the relationship between change in executive functioning and change in clinical symptoms (R33). Our central hypothesis is that repeated training exercises will enhance executive functioning and will lead to a reduction of repetitive negative thinking in mood, anxiety, and traumatic stress disorders. The hypothesis will be tested by pursing two specific aims: Aim 1 is to identify the cognitive effects and optimal dose of cognitive training. Aim 2 is to evaluate the clinical effects of the optimized cognitive training program relative to a sham condition. We will also conduct an exploratory aim to determine generalization of cognitive training to real-world cognitive performance. The R61 phase will test Aim 1 by randomizing participants with depression, anxiety, and/or traumatic stress disorders to one of two doses of cognitive training or a no-treatment control condition. We will examine executive functioning change with cognitive task performance and functional neuroimaging assessments. The R33 phase will randomize participants to the dose decided by the R61 or a sham condition. The R33 intends to replicate the impact on executive functioning and assess the relationship between change in executive functioning and clinical symptoms. We will explore how cognitive training helps people in their daily lives by including assessments given with a smartphone mobile cognitive testing app. The research proposed is innovative because it aims to address symptoms by intervening on a cognitive target thought to generate symptoms across multiple disorders, thus explicitly testing the interactions of cognitive and emotional symptoms. Outcomes derived from the proposed research will include a novel treatment program and information about its utility for reducing clinical symptoms. Knowledge from this proposal will advance our treatment options by targeting a specific cognitive system, providing a foundation for neuroscience-based therapeutic alternative for symptoms that span mood, anxiety, and traumatic stress disorders.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $653,548 )
2025	2025	UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO	9500 GILMAN DR	LA JOLLA	CA	92093	SAN DIEGO	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	4	8/12/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$653,548
														Subtotal = $653,548

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $654,558 )
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO	9500 GILMAN DR	LA JOLLA	CA	92093	SAN DIEGO	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	001	3	9/10/2024	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$0
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO	9500 GILMAN DR	LA JOLLA	CA	92093	SAN DIEGO	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	3	8/23/2024	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$654,558
														Subtotal = $654,558

Grand Total All Awards = $1,308,106

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Enhancing transdiagnostic mechanisms of cognitive dyscontrol using computer-based training

Award Number: R33MH127005

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/15/2021

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2027

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