Attention Bias Modification Treatment Reduces Depression Symptoms in Youth

Major depression is a commonly occurring, serious, and recurrent disorder that often starts at a young age. According to the World Health Organization, depression is ranked among the leading causes of disability worldwide. 1 Kessler R.C. Bromet E.J. The epidemiology of depression across cultures. Annu Rev Public Health. 2013; 34: 119-138 Crossref PubMed Scopus (1478) Google Scholar In 2013, an estimated 2.6 million adolescents 12 to 17 years old in the United States had at least 1 major depressive episode in the past year, representing 10.7% of the population in this age range. 2 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationResults from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental Health Findings. NSDUH Series H-49. HHS Publication (SMA) 14-4887. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, MD2014 Google Scholar Efficacious treatments for major depression, including cognitive-behavioral therapies and pharmacotherapy, have been available for decades. However, the prevalence rates of major depression remain notably consistent, with fewer than 15% of potential patients receiving minimally adequate treatment. 3 Wang P.S. Lane M. Olfson M. Pincus H.A. Wells K.B. Kessler R.C. Twelve-month use of mental health services in the United States: results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005; 62: 629-640 Crossref PubMed Scopus (2082) Google Scholar This observation has led to a call for interventions that take advantage of technology to increase patient access and lower cost through the use of computer-based procedures. One such intervention, attention bias modification treatment (ABMT), was originally designed to directly target a posited cognitive mechanism of anxiety, namely selective attention to threat stimuli. Recently, ABMT has been tested for depression. Attention Bias Modification Treatment for Adolescents With Major Depression: A Randomized Controlled TrialJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent PsychiatryVol. 55Issue 3PreviewAttention bias modification (ABM) is a promising treatment for depression, but trial data remain restricted to adults. The present trial examined effects of ABM on adolescent depression. Full-Text PDF