Modifying Interpretation and Imagination in Clinical Depression: A Single Case Series Using Cognitive Bias Modification

The current cognitive bias modification (CBM) paradigm targets interpretation bias (CBM-I) in depression via promoting positive imagery. We investigated the impact of repeated sessions of this CBM-I on interpretation bias, mood and mental health in participants currently experiencing a major depressive episode. Seven participants completed daily sessions of CBM-I at home for one week in a single case series. Outcome measures were completed pre and post a one-week baseline period, and after the week of daily CBM-I. Depressive symptoms were also assessed at a 2-week follow-up. Four of seven participants demonstrated improvements in mood, bias and/or mental health after one week of CBM-I, with improvements in depressive symptoms maintained at follow-up. Discussion of the remaining three highlights difficulties involved in translating CBM-I interventions from the laboratory to the clinic. To bridge this gap, we suggest that it is critical to examine the failures as well as the successes. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.