biostudies-literatureUnknown6(4)Douglas KM<h4>Background</h4>Cognitive impairment is considered a core feature of major depressive disorder (MDD) and research into psychological treatments aiming to address cognitive impairment are gaining momentum. Compared with the well-established research base of cognitive treatment trials in schizophrenia, including meta-analyses, mood disorder research is much more preliminary.<h4>Aims</h4>To focus on identifying the important factors to consider in developing larger-scale psychological treatment trials targeting cognitive impairment in mood disorders. Trial design recommendations have been published for cognitive treatment trials in bipolar disorder.<h4>Method</h4>An in-depth discussion of methodological considerations in the development of cognitive treatment trials for MDD.<h4>Results</h4>Methodological considerations include: screening for, and defining, cognitive impairment; mood state when cognitive intervention begins; medication monitoring during cognitive interventions; use of concomitant therapy; level of therapist involvement; duration and dose of treatment; choice of specific cognitive training exercises; home practice; improving adherence; appropriate comparison therapies in clinical trials; and choice of primary outcomes.<h4>Conclusions</h4>As well as guidance for clinical trial development, this review may be helpful for clinicians wanting to provide cognitive interventions for individuals with MDD.BJPsych opene67https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7345587biostudies-literatureClinical and methodological considerations for psychological treatment of cognitive impairment in major depressive disorder.PMC7345587Douglas KMBowie CRMilanovic MPorter RJfalseClinical and methodological considerations for psychological treatment of cognitive impairment in major depressive disorder.<h4>Background</h4>Cognitive impairment is considered a core feature of major depressive disorder (MDD) and research into psychological treatments aiming to address cognitive impairment are gaining momentum. Compared with the well-established research base of cognitive treatment trials in schizophrenia, including meta-analyses, mood disorder research is much more preliminary.<h4>Aims</h4>To focus on identifying the important factors to consider in developing larger-scale psychological treatment trials targeting cognitive impairment in mood disorders. Trial design recommendations have been published for cognitive treatment trials in bipolar disorder.<h4>Method</h4>An in-depth discussion of methodological considerations in the development of cognitive treatment trials for MDD.<h4>Results</h4>Methodological considerations include: screening for, and defining, cognitive impairment; mood state when cognitive intervention begins; medication monitoring during cognitive interventions; use of concomitant therapy; level of therapist involvement; duration and dose of treatment; choice of specific cognitive training exercises; home practice; improving adherence; appropriate comparison therapies in clinical trials; and choice of primary outcomes.<h4>Conclusions</h4>As well as guidance for clinical trial development, this review may be helpful for clinicians wanting to provide cognitive interventions for individuals with MDD.2020-01-01T00:00:00Z2020 Jun2025-04-22T19:33:07.413Z2025-04-06T02:46:31.75ZS-EPMC73455873259495110.1192/bjo.2020.53