A Pilot Study of a 4-Week eHealth-Based Protocol of the Attention Training Technique Component of Metacognitive Therapy Among Patients With Anxiety Disorders.

Abstract

The attention training technique (ATT) component of metacognitive therapy seeks to reduce anxiety and strengthen executive attention. ATT has the potential to expand mental health service delivery, with researchers labeling ATT as a possible form of eHealth. However, the only known published study to examine ATT in that delivery capacity was not supportive of its use. The current pilot study examined a new 4-week eHealth-based protocol of ATT among a small mixed sample of patients with anxiety disorders (N = 16). Patients attended a single in-person session to practice ATT and then practiced ATT remotely by accessing a standardized recording of ATT through the Internet for 4 weeks. There was no attrition and over 80% of patients achieved the practice benchmark. Improvements were noted across clinician-rated, patient-rated, and performance-based outcomes. Results support further examination of ATT as a possible eHealth treatment for anxiety disorders. Recommendations for future research are discussed.