Attention Bias Modification Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescents

Attention Bias Modification Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

In this study, we test whether a two-week 8-session neutral attention bias modification (ABM) training and a two-week 4-session positive ABM could reduce depressive symptoms relative to placebo controls in adolescents with major depressive disorder at posttraining and follow-ups during one year.

Depression is a common health problem in adolescents. Negative attentional bias has been theorized to play a critical role in the onset and maintenance of depression, suggesting that reduction of such biases may treat symptoms of depression. Recent studies have shown that attention bias modification(ABM) training could reduce depressive symptoms in both dysphoria and previously depressed adult patients.To test the effectiveness of ABM training on the treatment of depressive symptoms in depressed adolescents, we designed a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial in adolescents with major depressive disorder(MDD).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Meet the major depression disorder's criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

• bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or organic mental disorder;
• any concurrent psychotherapy;
• any concurrent psychotropic medication.