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Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with hypoactivation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a brain region involved in emotion regulation and basic cognitive control processes. Recent studies have indicated that computerized interventions designed to activate this region may reduce depressive and ruminative symptoms. In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, we tested whether one such program, called Cognitive Control Training (CCT), enhanced treatment outcomes when used in adjunct to brief behavior therapy for MDD.Methods: Thirty-four adults with MDD were randomly assigned to complete four sessions of either computerized CCT or a control task, concurrently with four sessions of Brief Behavioral Activation Therapy for Depression (BATD). Post-treatment and one-month follow-up assessments were conducted, with self-reported depressive symptoms as the primary outcome and clinician-rated depressive symptoms and self-reported rumination as secondary outcomes.Results: In both intent-to-treat and completer analyses, depressive symptoms and rumination decreased significantly over the course of treatment in both treatment conditions. There were no significant differences in treatment outcome depending on the augmentation condition.Limitations: The sample size was small, hindering secondary analyses and identification of potential predictors or moderators of treatment effect.Conclusions: Results demonstrate substantial clinical benefit following four sessions of BATD; however, adjunctive CCT did not enhance outcomes. This study and other recent research suggest that the effects of CCT may not be as robust as previously indicated, highlighting the need for continued investigation of the conditions under which CCT may be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a prevalent health condition associated with obesity. Few people with BED receive appropriate treatment. Personal barriers include shame, fear of stigma, geographic distance to mental health services, and long wait-lists. The aims of this study were to examine the efficacy of an Internet-based cognitive-behavioral intervention for adults with threshold BED (DSM-IV) and to examine the stability of treatment effects over 12months. Participants were randomly assigned to a 16-week Internet-based cognitive-behavioral intervention (n=69) or a wait-list condition (n=70). Binge-eating frequency and eating disorder psychopathology were measured with the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire and the Eating Disorder Examination administered over the telephone. Additionally, body weight and body mass index, depression, and anxiety were assessed before and immediately after treatment. Three-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up data were recorded in the treatment group. Immediately after the treatment the number of binge-eating episodes showed significant improvement (d=1.02, between group) in the treatment group relative to the wait-list condition. The treatment group had also significantly reduced symptoms of all eating psychopathology outcomes relative to the wait-list condition (0.82≤d≤1.11). In the treatment group significant improvement was still observed for all measures 1year after the intervention relative to pretreatment levels. The Internet-based intervention proved to be efficacious, significantly reducing the number of binge-eating episodes and eating disorder pathology long term. Low-threshold e-health interventions should be further evaluated to improve treatment access for patients suffering from BED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]