Development of a cognitive bias modification intervention for anxiety disorders in primary care

Author(s):  
Risa B. Weisberg ◽  
Meghan A. Gonsalves ◽  
Ramya Ramadurai ◽  
Howard Braham ◽  
Cara Fuchs ◽  
...  
2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Y. F. Lau ◽  
Victoria Pile

Anxiety disorders are common and impairing in childhood and adolescence. Cognitive bias modification of interpretations (CBM-I) training aims to alter information biases associated with anxiety disorders by training the person to endorse benign, rather than negative, interpretations of ambiguous situations. With an expanding evidence base, CBM-I training in childhood and adolescence may provide a key opportunity to prevent the development of anxiety disorders, particularly by capitalizing on the inherent flexibility of the adolescent brain to make durable changes. This article augments existing data with a reanalysis of a large sample of data ( N = 387). The reanalysis highlights that CBM-I is (a) effective in altering interpretation styles; (b) that changes in mood state, although weak, are evident; and (c) tentatively, that effectiveness may vary across age in males and females. We conclude by offering further suggestions on which factors associated with protocol (e.g., multiple sessions) and training package (e.g., use of imagery) may maximize training effectiveness.


Author(s):  
Melvyn W. B. Zhang ◽  
Helen E. Smith

In recent years, advances in experimental psychology have led to a better understanding in automatic, unconscious processes, referred to as attentional and approach biases amongst individuals with substance use disorders. Attentional biases refer to the relatively automatic tendencies for attention to be preferentially allocated towards substance-related cues. Whereas, approach bias refers to the relatively automatic behavioral tendencies of individuals to reach out to substance-related cues in their natural environment. While, several reviews confirm the existence of these biases, and the effectiveness of bias modification, the conduct of cognitive bias modification amongst substance-using individuals is not without its challenges. One of these is that cognitive biases, both attentional and approach biases, are not universally present; and several individual differences factors modulate the magnitude of the biases. Another challenge that investigators faced in their conduct of cognitive bias modification relates to the selection of the appropriate task for bias assessment and modification. Other challenges intrinsic to cognitive bias modification intervention relates to that of participant attrition, much like conventional psychotherapies. Negative findings, of the absence of biases at baseline, or the lack of effectiveness of bias modification have been reported in studies of cognitive bias modification. All these challenges could have an impact on bias assessment and modification. In this perspective paper, we will explore the literature surrounding each of these challenges and discuss potential measures that could be undertaken to mitigate these clinical and research challenges.


2011 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 618-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney Beard ◽  
Risa B. Weisberg ◽  
Jennifer Primack

Background:Cognitive bias modification (CBM) is a novel treatment for anxiety disorders that utilizes computerized tasks to train attention and interpretation biases away from threat. To date, attitudes toward and acceptability of CBM have not been systematically examined.Method:We conducted qualitative interviews with 10 anxious primary care patients to examine attitudes toward and initial impressions of CBM. Interviews explored general impressions, as well as reactions to the treatment rationale and two computer programs, one targeting attention bias and one targeting interpretation bias. Three clinical psychologists independently coded transcripts and collaboratively developed categories and themes guided by grounded theory.Results:A number of facilitators and barriers emerged related to engaging in treatment in general, computerized treatment, and CBM specifically. Participants stated that the written rationale for CBM seemed relevant and helpful. However, after interacting with the attention modification program, participants frequently expressed a lack of understanding about how the program would help with anxiety. Participants reported greater understanding and engagement with the interpretation modification program.Conclusions:Participants reported a number of positive characteristics of CBM, but it may need improvements regarding its treatment rationale and credibility. Future qualitative studies with individuals who complete a CBM treatment are warranted. Implications for future CBM development and dissemination are discussed.


Author(s):  
Adam J. Guastella ◽  
Alice Norton ◽  
Gail A. Alvares ◽  
Yun Ju Christine Song

There are currently a range of treatments available for anxiety disorders, including pharmacological and behavior-based therapies. The most widely used medications, for which there is considerable evidence of efficacy across a range of anxiety disorders, are the serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitor antidepressants. Benzodiazepines are also widely prescribed and show efficacy for acute anxiety, but their use in the treatment of chronic anxiety syndromes is more problematic. Many patients are not adequately covered by the available range of medications, which is driving interest in potentially new pharmacological approaches. The best established non-pharmacological treatment of anxiety is cognitive behavioral therapy and several related behavioral approaches, which have been shown to be efficacious in a range of anxiety disorders. One of these related approaches is called cognitive bias modification, which aims to alter an individual’s responses to anxiety-provoking stimuli.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Melvyn W.B. Zhang ◽  
Sandor Heng ◽  
Guo Song ◽  
Daniel S.S. Fung ◽  
Helen E. Smith

BACKGROUND: The advances in experimental psychology in the last decade have led to a greater understanding of cognitive bias, and the investigation of cognitive bias modifications as a therapeutic option. Whilst conventionally such interventions are delivered in a laboratory, technological advances are changing the potential modes of delivery of these interventions. Whereas mobile delivery of interventions might seem to increase accessibility and encourage compliance, this might not be the case for cognitive bias modification interventions. To reduce boredom, researchers have investigated whether gamification of the task could help reduce repetitiveness, and the diminished motivation that participants had over time. In a prior review of cognitive bias modification interventions, a collaboration between academics and developers was recommended to ensure that the developed product is evidence-based. With the increased recognition of the importance of participatory action research, participants could better help conventional intervention to meet their needs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to describe the iterative steps in the conceptualization of the co-designed gamified cognitive bias modification intervention for individuals with opioid use disorders. METHODS AND RESULTS: A multidisciplinary team worked through the differences in the perspectives offered by healthcare professionals and patient participants, and jointly worked with a developer to conceptualize a new co-designed gamified attention bias modification intervention. The methods shared in this article could be considered and applied to future conceptualization of co-designed interventions.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. e053845
Author(s):  
Boris Cheval ◽  
Axel Finckh ◽  
Silvio Maltagliati ◽  
Layan Fessler ◽  
Stéphane Cullati ◽  
...  

IntroductionBeing physically active is associated with a wide range of health benefits in patients. However, many patients do not engage in the recommended levels of physical activity (PA). To date, interventions promoting PA in patients mainly rely on providing knowledge about the benefits associated with PA to develop their motivation to be active. Yet, these interventions focusing on changing patients’ conscious goals have proven to be rather ineffective in changing behaviours. Recent research on automatic factors (eg, automatic approach tendencies) may provide additional targets for interventions. However, the implementation and evaluation of intervention designed to change these automatic bases of PA are rare. Consequently, little is known about whether and how interventions that target automatically activated processes towards PA can be effective in changing PA behaviours. The Improving Physical Activity (IMPACT) trial proposes to fill this knowledge gap by investigating the effect of a cognitive-bias modification intervention aiming to modify the automatic approach towards exercise-related stimuli on PA among patients.Methods and analysisThe IMPACT trial is a single-centre, placebo (sham controlled), triple-blinded, phase 3 randomised controlled trial that will recruit 308 patients enrolled in a rehabilitation programme in the Division of General Medical Rehabilitation at the University Hospital of Geneva (Switzerland) and intends to follow up them for up to 1 year after intervention. Immediately after starting a rehabilitation programme, patients will be randomised (1:1 ratio) to receive either the cognitive-bias modification intervention consisting of a 12-session training programme performed over 3 weeks or a control condition (placebo). The cognitive-bias modification intervention aims to improve PA levels through a change in automatic approach tendencies towards PA and sedentary behaviours. The primary outcome is the sum of accelerometer-based time spent in light-intensity, moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity PA over 1 week after the cognitive-bias modification intervention (in minutes per week). Secondary outcomes are related to changes in (1) automatic approach tendencies and self-reported motivation to be active, (2) physical health and (3) mental health. Sedentary behaviours and self-reported PA will also be examined. The main time point of the analysis will be the week after the end of the intervention. These outcomes will also be assessed during the rehabilitation programme, as well as 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the intervention for secondary analyses.Ethics and disseminationThe study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. This trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of Geneva Canton, Switzerland (reference number: CCER2019-02257). All participants will give an informed consent to participate in the study. Results will be published in relevant scientific journals and be disseminated in international conferences.Trial registration detailsThe clinical trial was registered at the German clinical trials register (reference number: DRKS00023617); Pre-results.


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