Computerized Cognitive Training in People with Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
In brief
Computerized training yields small cognitive gains in adults with depression
Across 53 randomized trials involving 3,831 adults, computerized cognitive training produced small improvements in cognition and depressive symptoms. Benefits did not extend to daily functioning or other psychiatric symptoms, and results varied substantially. Multidomain programs and higher doses were linked to larger cognitive gains, but the best training schedule remains uncertain.
- Journal
- Psychotherapy and psychosomatics (Q1)
- Published
- 14 October 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Eliane Gefen, Nathalie H Launder, Christopher G Davey, Mor Nahum, Yafit Gilboa, Carsten Finke, et al.
- PMID
- 42873741
- DOI
- 10.1159/pps/aemag019
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Psychiatry and Mental Health (top studies of the week, 18 October 2026): Computerised cognitive training improves cognition and depression
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Cognitive impairment and depression frequently co-occur, exacerbating disability. Identifying accessible interventions to enhance cognition in people with depression is imperative. Computerized cognitive training (CCT) is a potential strategy, but its clinical efficacy across settings remain unclear. We investigated the efficacy of CCT and potential moderators of cognitive and functional outcomes in individuals with depressive symptoms. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42020204209), we searched MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO from inception to June 22, 2026 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CCT in adults (≥18 years) with clinically significant depressive symptoms. Primary outcome was change in overall cognition. Secondary outcomes included depressive symptoms, psychosocial and daily functioning. RESULTS: Fifty-three 53 RCTs (3831 participants) were included. CCT was efficacious for overall cognition (49 RCTs, (g=0.23; 95% CI 0.14 to 0.32; τ2=0.095) and depressive symptoms (35 RCTs, g=0.22; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.37; τ2=0.066) with substantial heterogeneity across studies, and did not extend to psychiatric symptoms and daily function. Greater cognitive benefits were associated with multidomain training, higher doses, session durations >30 min, and ≤3 sessions per week. Efficacy was independent of baseline symptom severity, and comparable across delivery modes. CONCLUSIONS: CCT can improve cognition, depression and subjective outcomes in people with major or comorbid depression, but efficacy varies across outcomes, settings and intervention design factors. Future work is needed to confirm these factors, and examine what approaches and dose is required to enhance cognitive and functional outcomes of CCT.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.