Attention bias modification in depression: A randomized trial using a novel, reward-based, eye-tracking approach

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychiatric Research

Background:

• Biased attention to negative information is a key factor in depression risk and relapse.
• Attentional Bias Modification (ABM) aims to reduce this bias by directing attention away from negative stimuli.
• Previous ABM studies yielded mixed results due to inconsistent methods and stimuli.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a novel eye-tracking based approach for modifying attentional bias in individuals with major depressive disorder.
• To assess the impact of this reward-based training on attentional bias, emotional memory, and mood.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving active (n=20) or sham (n=20) ABM training using an eye tracker.
• Stimuli were manipulated in real-time based on participant fixations to reward attention to positive images.
• Assessments included attentional bias tasks, emotional word memory, and mood evaluation pre- and post-training.

Main Results:

• Active ABM training significantly reduced negative attentional bias, with participants focusing more on positive stimuli (p=.038).
• Participants in the active training group showed quicker disengagement from sad stimuli (p=.052) and improved memory for happy words (p=.036).
• Mood was not significantly affected within the one-week trial period.

Conclusions:

• Reward-based, eye-tracking training effectively modifies attention biases in depression.
• The training demonstrates generalizability to other cognitive functions, specifically enhancing recall of affective information.