Trial Outcomes & Findings for Attention Bias Modification Training in Youth With Subthreshold Impairing Anxiety (NCT NCT02410967)

NCT ID: NCT02410967

Last Updated: 2018-06-19

Results Overview

posttreatment clinician rating of youth anxiety symptom severity over the past 7 days. The name of the measure is the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS). The PARS is a clinician rated measure of the severity of youths' anxiety symptoms. Total scores on the PARS range from 0 to 35, with higher scores representing more severe anxiety.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

NA

Target enrollment

53 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

7 days

Results posted on

2018-06-19

Participant Flow

Trial Period: Treatment Phase (4 Weeks) Total Started: 53 \[Protocol Enrollment: 53\] Trial Period:Follow-up Phase (8 Weeks) Total Started: 48

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Attention Bias Modification
Attention Bias Modification is a computer-based attention training program. Attention Bias Modification: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe always replaces the neutral stimulus and never replaces the threatening stimulus. The intervention is based on the idea that attention can be shaped via repetitive computer based training methods, and training attention toward neutral stimuli will lead to a reduction in anxiety and its disorders.
Placebo Attention Task
The Placebo Attention Task uses the same computer-based format and stimuli as the Attention Bias Modification Task, but does not train attention toward or away from stimuli. Placebo Attention Task: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe replaces the neutral stimulus and the threatening stimulus with equal probability.
Treatment Phase (4 Weeks)
STARTED
27
26
Treatment Phase (4 Weeks)
COMPLETED
26
22
Treatment Phase (4 Weeks)
NOT COMPLETED
1
4
Follow-up Phase (8 Weeks)
STARTED
26
22
Follow-up Phase (8 Weeks)
COMPLETED
22
16
Follow-up Phase (8 Weeks)
NOT COMPLETED
4
6

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

Attention Bias Modification Training in Youth With Subthreshold Impairing Anxiety

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Attention Bias Modification
n=27 Participants
Attention Bias Modification is a computer-based attention training program. Attention Bias Modification: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe always replaces the neutral stimulus and never replaces the threatening stimulus. The intervention is based on the idea that attention can be shaped via repetitive computer based training methods, and training attention toward neutral stimuli will lead to a reduction in anxiety and its disorders.
Placebo Attention Task
n=26 Participants
The Placebo Attention Task uses the same computer-based format and stimuli as the Attention Bias Modification Task, but does not train attention toward or away from stimuli. Placebo Attention Task: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe replaces the neutral stimulus and the threatening stimulus with equal probability.
Total
n=53 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
27 Participants
n=5 Participants
26 Participants
n=7 Participants
53 Participants
n=5 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Age, Continuous
9.67 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.68 • n=5 Participants
8.85 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.53 • n=7 Participants
9.27 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.61 • n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
10 Participants
n=5 Participants
14 Participants
n=7 Participants
24 Participants
n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
17 Participants
n=5 Participants
12 Participants
n=7 Participants
29 Participants
n=5 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
19 Participants
n=5 Participants
16 Participants
n=7 Participants
35 Participants
n=5 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
6 Participants
n=5 Participants
10 Participants
n=7 Participants
16 Participants
n=5 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
2 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
2 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
2 Participants
n=7 Participants
2 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
1 Participants
n=5 Participants
0 Participants
n=7 Participants
1 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
26 Participants
n=5 Participants
21 Participants
n=7 Participants
47 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
2 Participants
n=7 Participants
2 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
1 Participants
n=7 Participants
1 Participants
n=5 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
27 Participants
n=5 Participants
26 Participants
n=7 Participants
53 Participants
n=5 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 7 days

Population: Intent to treat

posttreatment clinician rating of youth anxiety symptom severity over the past 7 days. The name of the measure is the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS). The PARS is a clinician rated measure of the severity of youths' anxiety symptoms. Total scores on the PARS range from 0 to 35, with higher scores representing more severe anxiety.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Attention Bias Modification
n=27 Participants
Attention Bias Modification is a computer-based attention training program. Attention Bias Modification: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe always replaces the neutral stimulus and never replaces the threatening stimulus. The intervention is based on the idea that attention can be shaped via repetitive computer based training methods, and training attention toward neutral stimuli will lead to a reduction in anxiety and its disorders.
Placebo Attention Task
n=26 Participants
The Placebo Attention Task uses the same computer-based format and stimuli as the Attention Bias Modification Task, but does not train attention toward or away from stimuli. Placebo Attention Task: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe replaces the neutral stimulus and the threatening stimulus with equal probability.
Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale at Posttreatment
7.21 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 5.66
7.73 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.81

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 7 days

Population: Intent to Treat

follow-up clinician rating of youth anxiety symptom severity over the past 7 days. The name of the measure is the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS). The PARS is a clinician rated measure of the severity of youths' anxiety symptoms. Total scores on the PARS range from 0 to 35, with higher scores representing more severe anxiety.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Attention Bias Modification
n=27 Participants
Attention Bias Modification is a computer-based attention training program. Attention Bias Modification: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe always replaces the neutral stimulus and never replaces the threatening stimulus. The intervention is based on the idea that attention can be shaped via repetitive computer based training methods, and training attention toward neutral stimuli will lead to a reduction in anxiety and its disorders.
Placebo Attention Task
n=26 Participants
The Placebo Attention Task uses the same computer-based format and stimuli as the Attention Bias Modification Task, but does not train attention toward or away from stimuli. Placebo Attention Task: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe replaces the neutral stimulus and the threatening stimulus with equal probability.
Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale at Follow-up
8.42 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 6.21
5.69 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 4.42

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 14 days

Population: Intent to Treat

posttreatment parent rating of youth anxiety symptom severity over the past 14 days. The name of the measure is the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders - Parent Version (SCARED-P). The SCARED-P is a parent rated measure of the severity of youths' anxiety symptoms. Total scores on the SCARED-P range from 0 to 82, with higher scores representing more severe anxiety.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Attention Bias Modification
n=27 Participants
Attention Bias Modification is a computer-based attention training program. Attention Bias Modification: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe always replaces the neutral stimulus and never replaces the threatening stimulus. The intervention is based on the idea that attention can be shaped via repetitive computer based training methods, and training attention toward neutral stimuli will lead to a reduction in anxiety and its disorders.
Placebo Attention Task
n=26 Participants
The Placebo Attention Task uses the same computer-based format and stimuli as the Attention Bias Modification Task, but does not train attention toward or away from stimuli. Placebo Attention Task: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe replaces the neutral stimulus and the threatening stimulus with equal probability.
Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders - Parent Version at Posttreatment
19.82 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 14.54
20.16 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 11.75

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 14 days

Population: Intent to Treat

follow-up parent rating of youth anxiety symptom severity over the past 14 days. The name of the measure is the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders - Parent Version (SCARED-P). The SCARED-P is a parent rated measure of the severity of youths' anxiety symptoms. Total scores on the SCARED-P range from 0 to 82, with higher scores representing more severe anxiety.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Attention Bias Modification
n=27 Participants
Attention Bias Modification is a computer-based attention training program. Attention Bias Modification: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe always replaces the neutral stimulus and never replaces the threatening stimulus. The intervention is based on the idea that attention can be shaped via repetitive computer based training methods, and training attention toward neutral stimuli will lead to a reduction in anxiety and its disorders.
Placebo Attention Task
n=26 Participants
The Placebo Attention Task uses the same computer-based format and stimuli as the Attention Bias Modification Task, but does not train attention toward or away from stimuli. Placebo Attention Task: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe replaces the neutral stimulus and the threatening stimulus with equal probability.
Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders - Parent Version at Follow-up
21.96 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 16.82
17.13 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 10.86

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 14 days

Population: Intent to Treat

posttreatment youth self-rating of youth anxiety symptom severity over the past 14 days. The name of the measure is the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders - Child Version (SCARED-C). The SCARED-C is a child self-rated measure of the severity of youths' anxiety symptoms. Total scores on the SCARED-C range from 0 to 82, with higher scores representing more severe anxiety.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Attention Bias Modification
n=27 Participants
Attention Bias Modification is a computer-based attention training program. Attention Bias Modification: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe always replaces the neutral stimulus and never replaces the threatening stimulus. The intervention is based on the idea that attention can be shaped via repetitive computer based training methods, and training attention toward neutral stimuli will lead to a reduction in anxiety and its disorders.
Placebo Attention Task
n=26 Participants
The Placebo Attention Task uses the same computer-based format and stimuli as the Attention Bias Modification Task, but does not train attention toward or away from stimuli. Placebo Attention Task: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe replaces the neutral stimulus and the threatening stimulus with equal probability.
Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders - Child Version at Posttreatment
17.88 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 13.76
14.72 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 10.61

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 14 days

Population: Intent to Treat

follow-up youth self-rating of youth anxiety symptom severity over the past 14 days. The name of the measure is the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders - Child Version (SCARED-C). The SCARED-C is a child self-rated measure of the severity of youths' anxiety symptoms. Total scores on the SCARED-C range from 0 to 82, with higher scores representing more severe anxiety.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Attention Bias Modification
n=27 Participants
Attention Bias Modification is a computer-based attention training program. Attention Bias Modification: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe always replaces the neutral stimulus and never replaces the threatening stimulus. The intervention is based on the idea that attention can be shaped via repetitive computer based training methods, and training attention toward neutral stimuli will lead to a reduction in anxiety and its disorders.
Placebo Attention Task
n=26 Participants
The Placebo Attention Task uses the same computer-based format and stimuli as the Attention Bias Modification Task, but does not train attention toward or away from stimuli. Placebo Attention Task: At each of eight sessions, participants complete 160 computer administered trials wherein a pair of threatening stimuli and neutral stimuli is presented simultaneously and then followed immediately by a probe. The probe replaces the neutral stimulus and the threatening stimulus with equal probability.
Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders - Child Version at Follow-up
20.41 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 15.66
11.88 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 10.88

Adverse Events

Attention Bias Modification

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Placebo Attention Task

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Additional Information

Dr. Jeremy Pettit

Florida International University

Phone: 305-348-1671

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place