Attentional retraining: a randomized clinical trial for pathological worry
Rebecca A Hazen1, Michael W Vasey, Norman B Schmidt
1Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Journal of Psychiatric Research
|August 30, 2008
Summary
Computer-based attentional retraining effectively reduced threat bias and symptoms of anxiety and depression in severe worriers. This intervention shows promise for treating generalized anxiety by modifying attention patterns.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Highly anxious individuals exhibit an attentional bias towards threat cues.
- Modifying attention allocation can alter affective responses to stress.
- Previous studies showed effects only over brief periods in non-anxious individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the efficacy of attentional retraining in severe worriers over an extended period.
- To assess changes in attentional bias and anxiety/depression symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four adults with severe worry were randomized to attentional retraining or sham training.
- Participants received five computer-delivered sessions.
- The study spanned January-August 2001 and June-August 2002.
Main Results:
- Significant interactions between treatment group and time were observed for threat bias and symptom measures.
- Attentional retraining significantly reduced both threat bias and anxious/depressive symptoms compared to sham training.
Conclusions:
- Attentional bias towards threat cues is a causal factor in generalized anxiety.
- Computer-based attentional retraining may be an effective treatment component for generalized anxiety.
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