scholarly journals Preventing Recurrence of Depression: Long-Term Effects of a Randomized Controlled Trial on Cognitive Control Training for Remitted Depressed Patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 216770262097977
Author(s):  
Kristof Hoorelbeke ◽  
Nathan Van den Bergh ◽  
Rudi De Raedt ◽  
Marieke Wichers ◽  
Ernst H. W. Koster
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Preventive Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Depressed Patients ◽  
Cognitive Transfer ◽  
Cognitive Control Training

Previous studies suggest that cognitive control training (CCT) shows potential as a preventive intervention for depression. In this study, the first to examine long-term preventive effects of CCT, we examined effects on (a) task-specific cognitive transfer at 1-year follow-up, (b) recurrence of depression, and (c) functioning over the course of a year. Each of 92 remitted depressed patients were randomly assigned to a CCT condition or an active control condition (ACT). Effects of training were monitored using weekly assessments of emotion regulation, cognitive complaints, depressive symptoms, and resilience (brief weekly questionnaire). At 1-year follow-up, participants completed a structured clinical interview, cognitive transfer task, and questionnaires. We observed task-specific cognitive transfer ( p < .001, d = 1.23) and lower recurrence rates in the CCT condition ( p = .04; odds ratio = 0.38). However, no long-term beneficial effects of training were observed on the weekly ratings of functioning, and groups did not differ in performance on the self-report questionnaires at 1-year follow-up.

scholarly journals A randomized controlled trial of cognitive control training (CCT) as an add-on treatment for late-life depression: a study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bart Meuleman ◽  
Janna N. Vrijsen ◽  
Marie-Anne Vanderhasselt ◽  
Ernst H. W. Koster ◽  
Peter Oostelbos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Mechanisms Of Change ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Late Life Depression ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cognitive Control Training

Abstract Background Already a major health concern, late-life depression (LLD) is expected to form an increasing problem in the aging population. Moreover, despite current treatments, LLD is associated with a poor long-term prognosis and high rate of chronicity. Treatment provision and treatment accordingly warrant improvement, where add-on treatments might contribute to the efficacy of conventional therapies. Although it is known that impaired cognitive control contributes to LDD, it is not targeted sufficiently by current interventions. Research on cognitive control training (CCT) shows promising results on depressive symptoms, cognitive performance, and overall functioning. However, further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of CCT on LLD, its cost-effectiveness, and mechanisms of change. Methods In the current multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a between-subjects design participants aged 60 years and over with a current LLD receiving treatment as usual (TAU) are randomized to add-on CCT or placebo training. Randomization is stratified by depression severity. Participants will receive eight online CCT or placebo sessions spread across four consecutive weeks. They will complete a post-training assessment after 1 month and three follow-up assessments scheduled three, six and 12 months after completing the training. We expect CCT and TAU to be more (cost-)effective in reducing depressive symptoms than placebo training and TAU. Additionally, we will be looking at secondary clinical, cognitive and global functioning outcomes and likely mechanisms of change (e.g., improved cognitive functioning, reduced rumination, and improved inhibition of negative stimuli). Discussion The proposed RCT aims to contribute to the clinical and scientific knowledge on the long-term effects of CCT as an add-on treatment for LLD. Cost-effectiveness is particularly relevant considering the expected volume of the target demographic. The study will be a pragmatic trial with few inclusion restrictions, providing information on feasibility of web-based trainings in clinical settings. The outcomes are potentially generalizable to guidelines for treatment of LLD. Trial registration This trial is registered in the Netherlands Trial Register (code: NL7639). Registered 3 april 2019.

scholarly journals Effect of iron supplementation during pregnancy on the behaviour of children at early school age: long-term follow-up of a randomised controlled trial

2008 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 1133-1139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie G. Parsons ◽  
Shao J. Zhou ◽  
Nicola J. Spurrier ◽  
Maria Makrides
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Group ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Child Behaviour ◽  
School Age ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Early School ◽  
Early School Age ◽  
In Pregnancy

Although routine Fe supplementation in pregnancy is a common practice, its clinical benefits or risks are uncertain. Children born to mothers in the Fe group in a trial of Fe supplementation in pregnancy have been found to have a significantly higher risk of abnormal behaviour at 4 years of age than those born to mothers in the placebo group. The objective of the present study therefore was to determine whether Fe supplementation in pregnancy influences child behaviour at early school age. The study was a follow-up of children at 6–8 years of age after women (n 430) were randomly allocated to receive a daily Fe supplement (20 mg) or placebo from 20 weeks gestation until delivery. The supplement reduced the incidence of Fe-deficiency anaemia at delivery from 9 % to 1 %. Child behaviour and temperament were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Short Temperament Scale for Children. Of the children, 264 (61 %) participated in the follow-up. Mean behaviour and temperament scores and the proportion of parent-rated and teacher-rated abnormal total difficulties scores did not differ between the Fe and placebo groups. However, the incidence of children with an abnormal teacher-rated peer problems subscale score was higher in the Fe group (eleven of 112 subjects; 8 %) than in the placebo group (three of 113 subjects; 2 %); the relative risk was 3·70 (95 % CI 1·06, 12·91; P = 0·026). We conclude that prenatal Fe supplementation had no consistent effect on child behaviour at early school age in this study population. Further investigation regarding the long-term effects of this common practice is warranted.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document