Cognitive Rehabilitation for Veterans With MDD-related Cognitive Functioning Deficits

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Cognitive Dysfunction

In brief

Individuals with depression often describe difficulties with memory, attention, concentration, and overall cognitive functioning, which can persist even after mood episodes get better, and can affect treatment and health outcomes. The primary objective of this pilot clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a manualized, 8-week, Compensatory Cognitive Training (CCT) intervention for Veterans who received treatment for MDD in the past year and have persistent cognitive functioning deficits. The investigators will compare Motivationally Enhanced Compensatory Cognitive Training for Major Depressive Disorder (ME-CCT-MDD) to a robust comparator, Goal-focused Supportive Contact (GSC), to evaluate differences in outcome measures. The investigators hypothesize that Motivationally Enhanced Compensatory Cognitive Training for Major Depressive Disorder (ME-CCT-MDD) will be feasible and acceptable to participants in a pilot trial of ME-CCT-MDD vs. Goal-focused supportive contact (GSC) for Veterans with recent MDD treatment and persistent cognitive symptoms. This study will also evaluate the preliminary magnitude and direction of symptom change on measures of objective cognitive functioning, psychiatric symptomatology, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life. The investigators hypothesize that CCT will improve objective cognitive functioning, psychiatric outcomes, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life in Veterans with recent MDD-related cognitive functioning deficits. Participants who agree to participate in the study will: 1. Take part in an assessment of their cognition, symptoms, and functioning, which will take approximately 2 hours. The assessment will include an interview about their medical, psychiatric, and cognitive history. It will also include questionnaires about their symptoms and daily functioning as well as neuropsychological tests, which are paper-pencil tests that evaluate aspects of cognition such as memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. 2. Be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to receive Goal-Focused Supportive Contact or Compensatory Cognitive Training. Both treatments will involve weekly groups with a mental health provider for approximately 2 hours per week for 8 weeks. Goal-Focused Treatment includes setting and achieving short-term and long-term goals for improving cognition and functioning. Compensatory Cognitive Training includes training in strategies to improve cognition and manage stress. 3. Complete a follow-up assessment of cognition, symptoms, and functioning 8 weeks after they begin treatment, as well as a brief interview about their experience in the group. These assessment sessions will take approximately 2 hours.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT06728774
Run by: Portland VA Medical Center
People needed: 24
Starts: 2025-05-01
Expected to finish: 2026-06-01
Last updated by the study team: 2025-06-06

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Veterans 18 years of age or older
Self-reported concerns about cognitive functioning deficits or clinical concerns about cognitive functioning deficits documented in EHR
meets DSM-5 criteria for MDD and receiving treatment for this diagnosis at the Portland VA within the past year
moderate or greater depressive symptoms as assessed by a PHQ-9 score ≥ 10
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.

You may not qualify if…

impaired capacity to understand study risks and benefits
history of TBI as defined by American College of Rehabilitation Medicine and VA/DoD criteria
meets DSM-5 criteria for a substance use disorder other than nicotine use disorder in the past 6 months
meets DSM-5 criteria for dementia, psychotic disorder, or "with psychotic features" specifier
active suicidal intent with significant clinical risk
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 it is running

Portland VA Medical Center — Portland, Oregon, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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