Cognitive Bias Modification-Memory in Major Depression
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2018-02-04
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en
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Abstract
In depression, negative information becomes preferentially processed and retrieved, which
contributes to the development, maintenance and relapse of depression. The repetitive
retrieval of unpleasant memories is called rumination and it is characterizing of depression.
Especially women are vulnerable to rumination and cognitive biases in information
processing. The experimental modification of cognitive biases (CBM) has been found to
successfully improve depressive symptomology, in particular for women. In the current study,
we tested a CBM memory intervention designed as computerized emotionally-biased retrieval
training to affect the severity of depressive symptoms in a sample of inpatients. Thirty-four
patients of the LVR clinic Essen absolved four consecutive training sessions of studying and
retrieving affective word pairs. Retrieval bias was induced by selectively testing words with
either positive or neutral valence depending on the assigned condition. Positive retrieval
practice aimed to counteract ruminative tendencies and therefore reduce depressive
symptomology. The severity of depressive symptoms were assessed by Beck’s Depression
Inventory and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression before, after and one week after the
training. Self- and clinician-rated depression measurements were analyzed separately in a
three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed a training-congruent effect on
BDI-II ratings, assessed one week after the training. Clinician ratings did not show any
significant change in depression symptoms dependent on training condition. There were also
no differences in the course of depression between men and women. Further research should
consider an amendment of the assessment to reduce floor effects.
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Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen