This study will evaluate the efficacy of methylphenidate and galantamine in the treatment of persistent cognitive symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Both traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are prevalent in service members returning from Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND). Virtually all individuals who suffer TBI (TBI) have acute cognitive effects, and a significant number have persistent symptoms. A large number of individuals with PTSD also report problems with cognition, however, little is known about the treatment of cognitive complaints in either condition and less is known about cognitive complaints in individuals with co-occurring TBI and PTSD. There is some preclinical evidence that both the cholinergic and catecholaminergic neurotransmitter systems play important roles in cognitive function in healthy individuals as well as those with mTBI and/or PTSD. We propose to evaluate the efficacy of two pharmacotherapies, one that predominantly augments cholinergic function (galantamine \[GAL\]) and one that augments predominantly catecholaminergic function (methylphenidate \[MPH\]), for reducing cognitive symptoms in individuals with TBI and/or PTSD. Using a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled design, 159 individuals with TBI and/or PTSD with persistent cognitive complaints will be randomized to receive galantamine 12 mg BID, methylphenidate 20 mg BID, or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of galantamine and methylphenidate in reducing cognitive complaints in patients with PTSD and/or TBI. Secondary objectives are to assess the extent to which non-cognitive distress responds to galantamine or methylphenidate, and assess the effect that galantamine and methylphenidate have on cognitive performance.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
32
For patients assigned to the MPH arm of the study, the drug will be initiated at 5 mg bid at week 0, and increased to 10 mg bid at week 4, and finally increased to 20 mg bid at week 8 and then held constant until the major outcome assessment at week 12. The drug will be gradually tapered during weeks 12-14. If adverse events ensue, the subject's dose can be held at the current dose (rather than proceeding with scheduled dose increases) or reduced to the previous dose. Subjects who cannot tolerate the minimum dose (5 mg bid) will be withdrawn from the study.
For patients randomly assigned to the placebo arm of the study, placebo will be administered BID at Week 0 through Week 12. Matching placebo will be administered to match the taper period.
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, California, United States
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Manchester VA Medical Center
Manchester, New Hampshire, United States
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina, United States
Ruff Neurobehavioral Inventory - Postmorbid Cognitive Scale
The Ruff Neurobehavioral Inventory (RNBI; Ruff \& Hibbard, 2003) is a self-report instrument for assessment of a wide range of symptoms (cognitive, emotional, and physical), as well as quality of life and daily functioning. It was designed to assess these areas in individuals who have recently been affected by an injury, illness, or other stressor. The Postmorbid Cognitive scale will be used as the primary outcome measure in this study. The Postmorbid Cognitive scale consists of 24 items assessing Attention/Concentration, Executive Functions, Learning/Memory, and Speech/Language.
Time frame: Baseline through Week 12
Rivermead Postconcussion Symptom Questionnaire (RPCSQ)
The RPCSQ (N King, 1995), which can be self-administered or given by an interviewer, asks patients to rate the severity of 16 different symptoms commonly found after a mild traumatic brain injury. Patients are asked to rate the severity of each symptom over the past week and compare to the severity before their injury. This instrument will be used to determine the extent to which the broad spectrum of TBI symptoms respond to GAL and MPH.
Time frame: Baseline through week 12
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ - 9)
The PHQ - 9 (Pfizer, 1999) is the self-administered 9 item depression scale of the Patient Health Questionnaire. This instrument will be used to determine the extent to which GAL and MPH improve depressive symptoms in participants with PTSD and/or TBI.
Time frame: Baseline through week 12
PTSD Checklist - Specific Event Version (PCL-S)
The PTSD Checklist - Specific Event Version (Weathers, 1993) is a 17 item self-report measure of DSM IV symptoms of PTSD in response to a specific event, used for screening and diagnosis of PTSD and monitoring symptom change during treament. This measure will be used to determine the extent to which the broad spectrum of PTSD symptoms responds to GAL and MPH.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
For patients randomly assigned to the GAL arm of the study, the drug will be initiated at 4 mg bid at week 0, increased to 8 mg bid at week 4, and finally increased to 12 mg bid at week 8 and then held constant until the major outcome assessment at week 12. The drug will be gradually tapered during weeks 12-14. If adverse events ensue, the subject's dose can be held at the current dose (rather than proceeding with scheduled dose increases) or reduced to the previous dose. Subjects who cannot tolerate the minimum dose (4 mg bid) will be withdrawn from the study.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
White River Junction VA Medical Center
White River Junction, Vermont, United States
Time frame: Baseline through week 12
PreMorbid-Postmorbid Difference Score on Cognitive Scale of Ruff Neurobehavioral Inventory
This measurement will be used to determine the extent to which GAL and MPH reduce the perceived difference between subjects' premorbid and postmorbid cognitive functioning.
Time frame: Baseline through 12 weeks
Neuropsychological Tests of Memory, Attention and Other Executive Functions
These measurements will be used to determine the extent to which GAL and MPH affect objective cognitive functioning in participants with PTSD and/or TBI as measured on the following neuropsychological tests: Rey Verbal Auditory Learning Test; Trail Making Test; WAIS-III Processing Speed Index and Digit Span; Digit Vigilance test; WMS-III Letter-Number Sequencing; Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised; Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test; Continuous Performance Test; and D-KEFS Verbal Fluency.
Time frame: Baseline through 12 weeks