Adaptation And Feasibility Of A Brief, Integrated Cognitive Control Training Intervention For Depression: A Proof-Of-Concept Trial

Cognitive deficits in depression often persist despite pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment. Existing cognitive retraining programs are typically time- and resource-intensive, and place limited emphasis on addressing subjectively perceived cognitive difficulties or generalization of gains. This proof-of-concept study aimed to adapt the Integrated Cognitive Control Training (ICCT) into a brief format for patients with depression and to generate preliminary evidence of feasibility and effectiveness. The intervention was adapted into a manualized five-session program through a literature review, expert surveys involving clinicians and individuals with lived experience of depression, and a trial run. The study followed a single-group, open-label pre-post design (N = 16). Significant improvements were observed in cognitive flexibility (Color Trails Test-2: t = 3.52, p = 0.003, d = 0.88), depression severity (Montgomery-[A]sberg Depression Rating Scale: t = 6.66, p < 0.001, d = 1.67), and subjective cognition (Perceived Deficits Questionnaire: t = 5.06, p < 0.001, d = 1.3). The intervention demonstrated high acceptability and demand. These findings suggest that the Brief ICCT is a feasible and potentially effective approach for addressing cognitive deficits, with improvements extending to depressive symptom severity and socio-occupational functioning. These proof-of-concept findings justify further evaluation of Brief ICCT in adequately powered randomized controlled trials.