Attentional Bias Modification in Dutch Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder—A Case Series With a Personalized Treatment Version

Abstract

Beneficial effects of attentional bias modification have been claimed for a number of anxiety disorders, but study results are variable. A recent trial in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) showed no therapeutic effects. The use of personally relevant and verbal stimuli might increase the efficacy of attentional bias modification. In an A-B case series design, we hypothesized that individualized attentional bias modification would lead to reduction of attentional bias and a decrease in PTSD symptoms. Six Dutch male war veterans (mean age 39.33 years) who had developed PTSD after peacekeeping missions underwent the treatment. No therapeutic effects were observed. Inter- and intraindividual attentional bias scores varied widely and did not respond to attentional bias modification as hypothesized. This study provides no evidence that individualized attentional bias modification is an effective treatment for PTSD.