Enhancing Rehabilitation for Veterans With Serious Mental Illness

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Sep 3, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new type of therapy called Targeted Cognitive Training (TCT) designed to help Veterans with serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Many Veterans struggle with cognitive challenges that affect their daily lives, and this study aims to improve their ability to process information and enhance their overall well-being. By using special brain activity measurements (EEG), researchers will try to identify which Veterans are likely to gain the most benefit from this therapy and figure out the best way to implement it in their care.

To participate in the trial, Veterans must be between the ages of 18 and 75, be receiving treatment for serious mental illness at specific rehabilitation centers, and be able to communicate in English. They should also have certain hearing and vision abilities. However, those with a very low estimated IQ, recent substance use (other than cannabis), or significant medical issues won't be eligible. Participants can expect to receive innovative therapy aimed at improving their mental health, and their progress will be closely monitored throughout the study. This trial represents an important step in finding better treatment options for Veterans facing these challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Veterans with SMI (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD) being treated at PRRCs or co-located rehabilitative services.
• • Age 18 and 75 years.
• • Fluency in spoken and written English.
• • Ability to detect 1000 Hz tones binaurally at a 40-dB sound pressure level.
• • Ability to see with an acuity of 20/40 with both eyes tested together (corrected if applicable) by a standard printed Snellen eye chart reading card.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Estimated premorbid IQ below 70, as estimated via the WRAT-4 Reading subtest.
• • Active substance use other than cannabis within the last 30 days as determined by CPRS review, self- report, or positive urine drug screen (obtained as part of the screening process).
• • History of significant medical or neurological illness.
• • Inability to comprehend or provide informed consent.