A Matter of Attention? A Systematic Review of the Effects of Computer-Delivered Modification of Attentional Bias on Anxiety

作者：von Auer Maxie^*; Neubauer Karolin; Murray Eileen; Petermann Franz; Gerlach Alexander L; Helbig Lang Sylvia

来源：Zeitschrift für Psychiatrie, Psychologie und Psychotherapie, 2011, 59(3): 213-225.

DOI：10.1024/1661-4747/a000073

• attentional bias
• attention modification
• dot probe
• anxiety disorders

Attentional biases toward threat cues are a well-known phenomenon in anxiety disorders. Recently, computer-delivered trainings have been developed to modify these patterns of attention. This review summarizes the current literature concerning the efficacy of such attention trainings targeting anxiety in adults. The findings, which have primarily been studied in nonclinical participants, have consistently shown that even a single-session attention training can achieve the desired redirection of attention. Less clear are effects of these trainings on both observed and self-reported anxiety symptoms. Evidence of positive effects has been shown for trait anxiety, social anxiety and pathologic worry, of which the latter two could also be reduced in clinical samples. Moderators of training response have yet to be studied extensively, although there is first evidence that the level and content of anxiety as well as the length of stimuli presentation might be relevant factors. In summary, the present findings indicate the potential of attention training to modify clinical and subclinical anxiety particularly considering their short duration and feasibility. Future studies need to examine to what extent attention training can be used as a discrete intervention in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

• 出版日期2011