Efficacy of Cognitive Bias Modification in Residential Treatment for Addiction

Efficacy of Cognitive Bias Modification in Residential Treatment for Addiction

The purpose of this study is to determine whether computer bias modification for interpretation bias (CBM-I) is effective in the reduction of suicidal ideation in substance use disorders.

Eighty-eight adult inpatients completing residential treatment in the Addictions Services at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) will be randomized to receive CBM-I daily for one week, adjunct to the residential psychosocial treatment or to an assessment-only control condition. Participants will complete clinical measures consisting of interviews and questionnaires measuring suicidal ideation, hopelessness, depression, negative affect, and interpretation biases before, during and after treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Exhibit moderate suicide risk or greater
• Be enrolled in the Addictions Services inpatient program
• Fluent in reading English
• Capacity to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• A lifetime diagnosis of a psychotic or bipolar disorder
• Significant neurological disorder or psychical illness likely to interfere with participation
• Psychotropic medication changes within the past two weeks