DepressionNCT01454141
Cognitive Control Training for Depression
A study testing Peripheral Vision Task in people with Depression, run by Boston University Charles River Campus at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Depression is frequently characterized by patterns of inflexible, maladaptive, and ruminative thinking styles; these patterns themselves are thought to result from a combination of decreased attentional control, decreased executive functioning, and increased negative affect. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Depression
- What is being tested?
- Peripheral Vision Task
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 56 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Jul 2010to Jun 2011
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- BU students and local community members.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Familiarity with a computer keyboard.
- BDI-II score ≥ 17
Who cannot join
- BDI-II score < 17, or > 35
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Depression is frequently characterized by patterns of inflexible, maladaptive, and ruminative thinking styles; these patterns themselves are thought to result from a combination of decreased attentional control, decreased executive functioning, and increased negative affect. Specifically, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex has been hypothesized to play a central role in emotion regulation by recruiting resources necessary for executive control. Recent advances have been made in neurobehavioral training strategies as interventions for emotional disorders such as depression. Cognitive control training (CCT) uses computer-based exercises to recruit and activate prefrontal neural networks via repeated behavioral exercises, with the aim of strengthening cognitive and emotional functions. A previous study found that severely depressed participants who received CCT exhibited reduced negative affect and rumination as well as improved focus and concentration. The present study aimed to extend this line of research by employing a more stringent control group and testing the efficacy of three sessions of CCT over a two-week period in a community population with depressed mood. Forty-eight participants with high BDI-II scores were randomized to CCT or a comparison condition (Peripheral Vision Training; PVT). The investigators hypothesized that relative to a control condition (PVT), CCT would be associated with less self-reported negative mood and emotional reactivity.
- Conditions
- Depression
- Being tested
- Cognitive Control Training, Peripheral Vision Task
- Keywords
- Depressed mood
- Medical subject headings
- Depression, Consciousness Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Cognitive Control TrainingOther
Three sessions of CCT.
Peripheral Vision TaskOther
Three sessions of PVT.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Peripheral Vision Task | Experimental | During this task participants viewed a circular array of 15 discs and were asked to move their attention, but not their eyes, clockwise around the array while auditory tones were presented. Following the presentation of a distinct target tone, the discs changed color and participants reported the color of the disc by pressing a designated button on the keyboard. This task was developed to be a non-active control condition, targeting visual and occipital areas of the brain, and therefore allows us to discriminate between the effects of completing a computer-based task from interventions that specifically target the PFC. Receives: Other: Peripheral Vision Task |
| Cognitive Control Training | Experimental | Cognitive Control Training (CCT) A modified version of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) and the Attention Control Intervention were used to train participants' attentional control in accordance with procedures used by Siegle and colleagues. Receives: Other: Cognitive Control Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Beck Depression Inventory
Change score in BDI was assessed between CCT and PVT groups.
Measured: two weeks
Secondary outcomes (3)
Change in Positive and Negative Affective Scale (PANAS)
The investigators looked at the change scores in positive and negative affectivity between CCT and PVT groups.
Measured: two weeks
Emotional Response and Recovery Task
The investigators looked at the emotional responses to IAPS images between CCT and PVT groups.
Measured: two weeks
Changes in Visual Analog Scales
The investigators looked at the change scores in visual analog scales (happy/sad) between CCT and PVT groups.
Measured: two weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Oct 2011 (estimated)
- Study startJul 2010
- Primary completionJun 2011
- Study completionJun 2011
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for DepressionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Boston University Charles River Campus
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Amanda W Calkins, MA, Principal investigator, Boston University Charles River Campus
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01454141
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BU-2182E
- Status last verified
- Oct 2011
- First submitted
- 13 Oct 2011
- Last updated
- 17 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 17 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Cognitive Control Training for Depression
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01454141
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BU-2182E
- Conditions
- Depression
- Keywords
- Depressed mood
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Boston University Charles River CampusUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Jul 2010
- Primary completion
- Jun 2011 (actual)
- Study completion
- Jun 2011 (actual)
- First posted
- 18 Oct 2011 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Depression is frequently characterized by patterns of inflexible, maladaptive, and ruminative thinking styles; these patterns themselves are thought to result from a combination of decreased attentional control, decreased executive functioning, and increased negative affect. Specifically, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex has been hypothesized to play a central role in emotion regulation by recruiting resources necessary for executive control. Recent advances have been made in neurobehavioral training strategies as interventions for emotional disorders such as depression. Cognitive control training (CCT) uses computer-based exercises to recruit and activate prefrontal neural networks via repeated behavioral exercises, with the aim of strengthening cognitive and emotional functions. A previous study found that severely depressed participants who received CCT exhibited reduced negative affect and rumination as well as improved focus and concentration. The present study aimed to extend this line of research by employing a more stringent control group and testing the efficacy of three sessions of CCT over a two-week period in a community population with depressed mood. Forty-eight participants with high BDI-II scores were randomized to CCT or a comparison condition (Peripheral Vision Training; PVT). The investigators hypothesized that relative to a control condition (PVT), CCT would be associated with less self-reported negative mood and emotional reactivity.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Peripheral Vision Task | Experimental | Other: Peripheral Vision TaskDuring this task participants viewed a circular array of 15 discs and were asked to move their attention, but not their eyes, clockwise around the array while auditory tones were presented. Following the presentation of a distinct target tone, the discs changed color and participants reported the color of the disc by pressing a designated button on the keyboard. This task was developed to be a non-active control condition, targeting visual and occipital areas of the brain, and therefore allows us to discriminate between the effects of completing a computer-based task from interventions that specifically target the PFC. |
| Cognitive Control Training | Experimental | Other: Cognitive Control TrainingCognitive Control Training (CCT) A modified version of the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) and the Attention Control Intervention were used to train participants' attentional control in accordance with procedures used by Siegle and colleagues. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- BU students and local community members.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Familiarity with a computer keyboard.
- BDI-II score ≥ 17
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- BDI-II score < 17, or > 35
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Control TrainingThree sessions of CCT. | Other | Cognitive Control Training |
| Peripheral Vision TaskThree sessions of PVT. | Other | Peripheral Vision Task |
Primary outcome
Change in Beck Depression Inventory
Time frame: two weeks
Change score in BDI was assessed between CCT and PVT groups.
3 secondary outcomes
Change in Positive and Negative Affective Scale (PANAS)
Time frame: two weeks
Emotional Response and Recovery Task
Time frame: two weeks
Changes in Visual Analog Scales
Time frame: two weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 17 Jul 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Amanda W Calkins, MA principal investigator
Boston University Charles River Campus
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Peripheral Vision Task in people with Depression, run by Boston University Charles River Campus at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Beck Depression Inventory (time frame: two weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Jul 2026.