Completed Projects
Title of research
A randomized control trial examining the treatment efficacy of a novel approach to cognitive remediation in public safety personnel with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and co-morbid conditions
Summary
Research has shown that public safety personnel (PSP) are more likely than the general population to experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can lead to changes in cognitive performance. For example, some subjects experiencing PTSD also deal with poorer memory and attention. These changes can impact a PSP’s ability to engage with activities in their work and family life. There is currently no evidence-based treatment for these cognitive changes experienced by PSP with PTSD.
The goal of the current study is to examine the effectiveness of an intervention strategy called Goal Management Training (GMT). This training is aimed at reducing the cognitive performance changes and improving return to work timelines in the PSP population with PTSD and other conditions. The GMT program has already proven effective with other groups, so the hope is that PSP will respond similarly. Using the best practice randomized control methods, the research team will put a large group of PSP through GMT. If the study is successful, it will provide evidence for the use of GMT as an effective treatment for PTSD in PSP.
When to expect results
Preliminary results from this study will be shared at the end-of-grant workshop.
Research team
Dr. Margaret McKinnon, Associate Chair of Research and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology & Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University; Dr. Ruth Lanius, Professor of Psychiatry and the Director of the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) research unit at the University of Western Ontario; Kimberley Slade, Director of emerging markets and commercialization at PSHSA; Glenn Cullen, CEO and COO at PSHSA; Dr. Rakesh Jetly, Associate Professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of Ottawa; Dr. Randi McCabe, Professor, Department of Psychology & Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University.
Final Results
Final Knowledge Translation Report