Attention training in individuals with generalized social phobia: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Generalized social phobia (GSP) is a prevalent anxiety disorder.
• Cognitive biases, particularly attention to threat, play a role in GSP.
• Existing treatments for GSP can be further enhanced by cognitive interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of an attention training procedure in reducing social anxiety symptoms.
• To determine if attention modification program (AMP) can alter threat-related attention biases.
• To assess the long-term effects of attention training on GSP.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 44 individuals diagnosed with GSP.
• Participants completed an attention modification program (AMP) or an attention control condition (ACC).
• The AMP involved a probe detection task designed to direct attention away from threatening faces.

Main Results:

• The AMP group showed improved attention disengagement from threat compared to the ACC.
• Clinician- and self-reported social anxiety symptoms significantly decreased in the AMP group.
• 50% of participants in the AMP group no longer met GSP criteria post-treatment, compared to 14% in the ACC.

Conclusions:

• Computerized attention training (AMP) is an effective intervention for reducing social anxiety and GSP symptoms.
• Attention modification can lead to significant clinical improvement and remission in GSP.
• The benefits of attention training for social phobia are maintained at 4-month follow-up.