@Article{info:doi/10.2196/11841,
author="Zhang, Melvyn
and Ying, Jiangbo
and Song, Guo
and Fung, Daniel S S
and Smith, Helen",
title="Web-Based Cognitive Bias Modification Interventions for Psychiatric Disorders: Scoping Review",
journal="JMIR Ment Health",
year="2019",
month="Oct",
day="24",
volume="6",
number="10",
pages="e11841",
keywords="cognitive bias; attention bias; psychiatry; eHealth",
abstract="Background: Cognitive biases refer to automatic attentional or interpretational tendencies, which result in individuals with addictive disorders to automatically attend to substance-related stimuli and those with anxiety disorders to attend to threatening stimuli. To date, several studies have examined the efficacy of cognitive bias modification, and meta-analytical studies have synthesized the evidence for overall efficacy. The clinical utility of cognitive bias modification interventions has previously been limited to the confines of a laboratory, but recent advances in Web technologies can change this. Objective: This scoping review aimed to determine the scope of Web-based cognitive bias interventions and highlight their effectiveness. Methods: Databases (PubMed and MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Central) were searched from inception to December 5, 2017. The following search terminologies were used: (``attention bias'' OR ``cognitive bias'' OR ``approach bias'' OR ``avoidance bias'' OR ``interpretative bias'') AND (``Internet'' OR ``Web'' OR ``Online''). The methods for this scoping review are based on the previously published protocol. For the synthesis of the evidence, a narrative synthesis was undertaken, as a meta-analysis was not appropriate, given the lack of reported effect sizes and the heterogeneity in the outcomes reported. Results: Of the 2674 unique articles identified, we identified 22 randomized controlled studies that met our inclusion criteria: alcohol use disorder (n=2), tobacco use disorder (n=2), depressive disorder (n=3), anxiety and depressive symptoms in adolescents (n=3), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD; n=2), social anxiety disorder (n=9), and anxiety disorder (n=1). The sample sizes of these studies ranged from 16 to 434 participants. There is preliminary evidence to suggest that Web-based interventions could reduce biases among adolescents with heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression and among individuals with OCD. Conclusions: This is the first scoping review that mapped out the scope of cognitive bias modification interventions for psychiatric disorders. Web-based interventions have been applied predominantly for social anxiety and addictive disorders. Larger cohorts must be used in future studies to better determine the effectiveness of Web-based cognitive bias interventions. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR1-10.2196/10427 ",
issn="2368-7959",
doi="10.2196/11841",
url="http://mental.jmir.org/2019/10/e11841/",
url="https://doi.org/10.2196/11841",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31651410"
}