Attention bias at baseline does not moderate the effect of attention bias modification for depressive symptoms

From the paper

Abstract

Background Clinical trials of Attention Bias Modification for depressive symptoms have consistently produced small effect sizes and mixed results. Therefore, identifying subpopulations for whom this intervention works has been called for. Considering the intended mechanism behind Attention Bias Modification, change of attentional bias, the level of bias at baseline may moderate its efficacy. Methods Participants with a history of depression (N=301) were randomized to receive two daily sessions of either Attention Bias Modification or sham for 14 days. A response-based attention bias score was calculated, and a moderator analysis was run at post-intervention and 1-month follow-up measured by change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Beck Depression Inventory II, respectively. Results Baseline attention bias did not significantly moderate the effect of Attention Bias Modification on any of the time points or depression measures. Conclusions Baseline attentional bias was not found useful for characterizing subgroups more likely to benefit from ABM for depressive symptoms.