Randomized controlled trial of computerized approach/avoidance training in social anxiety disorder: Neural and symptom outcomes

Bomyea, Jessica; Sweet, Alison M.; Davey, Delaney K.; Boland, Matthew; Paulus, Martin P.; Stein, Murray B.; Taylor, Charles T.

doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.054

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 54 publications

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“…This study protocol described a double-blind randomized controlled trial to assess the clinical utility of AAT as an adjunctive treatment to standard care in Veterans with AUD and comorbid psychiatric disorders. Prior research supports the use of AAT as an adjunctive treatment for substance use disorders [ 34 , 44 , 53 – 55 ] and emerging research suggests that variations of cognitive training for approach/avoidance biases may be beneficial for symptoms of other psychiatric disorders [ 29 , 56 , 57 ]. However, the impact of AAT treatment on alcohol consumption and functional recovery outcomes in Veterans with AUD and comorbid psychiatric disorders remains unaddressed.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Approach avoidance training versus Sham in veterans with alcohol use disorder: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

et al. 2023

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Background Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly prevalent and commonly co-occurs with other psychiatric disorders among Veterans. Provisional evidence supports the use of Approach Avoidance Training (AAT) - a form of computer-delivered cognitive bias modification designed to target implicit approach bias for alcohol-related cues - as an adjunctive program to treat AUD. However, the extent to which AAT is effective for improving AUD recovery outcomes in outpatient Veteran samples and those with psychiatric comorbidities has been understudied to date. Here we describe a double-blind randomized controlled trial of AAT versus a comparison condition (Sham) being conducted in Veterans with comorbid psychiatric conditions completing outpatient standard care. Methods One hundred thirty-six Veterans currently receiving outpatient treatment for AUD will be recruited for this randomized controlled trial with parallel group assignment. Participants will be randomized to either 6 weeks of AAT (n = 68) or Sham (n = 68) training in conjunction with usual care. Assessments will occur at baseline and 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-baseline. Primary outcome variables will include functional consequences of drinking. Secondary outcome variables will include alcohol consumption, and behavioral indicators of alcohol approach bias. A subset of participants (n = 51) will also complete functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess neural response during an alcohol approach bias assessment. Discussion This study is the first randomized controlled trial of AAT administered as an adjunctive treatment to standard care in Veterans with AUD and comorbid psychiatric disorders. Additionally, behavioral and neuroimaging data will be used to determine the extent to which AAT targets approach bias for alcohol cues. If effective, AAT may be a promising low-cost adjunctive treatment option for individuals with AUD. Registry name AAT for Alcohol Use Disorder in Veterans. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05372029; Date of Registration: 5/9/2022.

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