The effect of a visuospatial interference intervention on posttraumatic intrusions: a cross-over randomized controlled trial.

Background: Intrusive memories form a core symptom of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Based on concepts of visuospatial interference and memory-updating accounts, technological innovations aim to attenuate such intrusions using visuospatial interventions.Objective: This study aims to test the effect of a visuospatial Tetris-based intervention versus a verbal condition (Wiki) and a never-targeted control (no intervention) on intrusion frequency.Method: A randomized crossover trial was conducted including N = 38 PTSD patients who had at least 3 distinct intrusive memories of trauma. After both 2 weeks (intervention 1) and 4 weeks (intervention 2), one of the three memories was randomly selected and either the visuospatial intervention (memory reminder of a traumatic memory + Tetris) or verbal condition (reading a Wikipedia article + answering questions) was performed on their first memory in randomized order. In the week 4 session, the patient conducted the other intervention condition on their second memory (crossover). The third memory was never targeted (no intervention). Daily occurrence of intrusions over 8 weeks was collected using a diary and analysed using mixed Poisson regression models.Results: Overall, there was no significant reduction in intrusion frequency from either intervention compared to each other, and to no intervention control (relative risk Tetris/Wiki: 0.947; p = .31; relative risk no intervention/Tetris: 1.060; p = .15; relative risk no intervention/Wiki: 1.004; p = .92).Conclusions: There was no effect of either intervention on intrusions when administered in a crossover design where participants received both interventions. Design shortcomings and consequences for future studies are discussed.

Visuospatial interventions, including the computer game Tetris, have been studied as a potential means to decrease intrusive memories, a core feature of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.In this study, two interventions are tested in a crossover design with patients with intrusive memories after traumatic experiences.There was no effect of either the visuospatial intervention or the verbal condition in this design.

The influence of the behavioural inhibition system on the development of PTSD-like symptoms after presentation of a traumatic film in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: The Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS) as a neural system controlling motivation and behaviour, has previously been linked to multiple mental disorders, including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). BIS-sensitivity could increase the likelihood of PTSD development after trauma. However, previous studies have largely measured BIS-sensitivity retrospectively (i.e. after trauma, or even after onset of PTSD). OBJECTIVE: The study aims to confirm the relationship between BIS-sensitivity prior to trauma and PTSD symptoms. METHOD: After assessment of BIS-sensitivity, N = 119 healthy participants watched a film with visually disturbing material. After 72 h, participants completed a questionnaire on PTSD-related symptoms (PCL-5). RESULTS: In a multiple linear regression model, BIS-sensitivity significantly predicted PTSD symptoms, even after controlling for the decrease in mood, as well as for participants' age and sex, two factors that had previously been shown to influence BIS-sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to measure BIS-sensitivity before the occurrence of the (experimental) trauma and strengthens its role as a potential pre-traumatic risk factor.

Main research question: What factors predict the development of posttraumatic symptoms after exposure to a traumatic event?The candidate investigated here is the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS), a neural system controlling motivation and behavior. Our study provides evidence that the BIS is a potential risk factor, prediciting the development of posttraumatic symptoms after exposure to an experimental trauma in healthy participants.