Computerized Cognitive Training in Middle-Aged Adults With Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Pilot Study

Computerized Cognitive Training in Middle-Aged Adults With Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Pilot Study (COGMA)

The purpose of this research is to look at the effects of computerized cognitive training on anxiety, sleep, mental abilities (cognition), and other aspects of daytime functioning, such as arousal.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 45-59 yrs of age
• no neurological or psychiatric illness, dementia, or loss of consciousness > 5 mins
• nongamers (i.e., report <1 hour of video/cognitive training games/week over last 2 yrs)
• proficient in English (reading and writing)
• computer meets technology requirements (i.e. Windows: Windows 7 or above using Internet Explorer 11 or Edge, Mozilla Firefox 41 and above, Google Chrome 48 and above; Mac OS: Mac OS X v10.8 and above using Safari 10 and above, Mozilla Firefox 42 and above, Google Chrome 48 and above; Android App: Android 6 or higher version; iOS App: iOS 10 or higher version
• meet clinical dx criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Exclusion Criteria:

• unable to provide informed consent
• unable to undergo randomization
• Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified (TICS) score <33, 2)
• other sleep disorder (i.e., sleep apnea, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder-PLMD, narcolepsy, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder)
• severe untreated psychiatric comorbidity that renders randomization unethical
• psychotropic, anxiolytic medications or other medications(e.g., beta-blockers) that alter mood or sleep
• uncorrected visual/auditory impairments
• participation in nonpharmacological treatment for sleep/fatigue/mood outside the current study.