University of Twente Student Theses

Online Cognitive Bias Modificantion Alcohol Avoidance Training as Addition to Treatment as Usual: Preliminary results of a double-blind ranomized controlled trial in an outpatient addiction treatment setting

Roeleveld, E.M. (2017) Online Cognitive Bias Modificantion Alcohol Avoidance Training as Addition to Treatment as Usual: Preliminary results of a double-blind ranomized controlled trial in an outpatient addiction treatment setting.

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Abstract:	Alcohol use disorders are common in the Netherlands. To treat these, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) treatments are widely used. Although these treatments are evidence based, recent studies and models empasize that the effectiveness can be endorsed by a Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) training, in which impulsive processes can be retrained. The current study focused on these impulsive processes and in special on action tendencies that are activated relatively automatic. The aim was to examine the effectiveness of an computerized and online CBM Alcohol Avoidance Training by using an adapted Approach Avoidance Task (AAT) as addition to a CBT treatment in an outpatient treatment setting. In a double-blind randomized controlled trial alcohol dependent patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental or placebo version of eight sessions CBM Alcohol Avoidance Training. Patients were at least aged 18, followed treatment as usual at Tactus Addiction Treatment and were recruited by their therapist. Primary outcome measures were 1) the difference scores on self-reported weekly alcohol consumption and 2) the proportion of patients drinking under the responsible drinking limit. Secondary outcomes concerned mental health and craving. Furthermore, adherence to the treatment was examined. Intention-to-treat analysis were performed to deal with loss to follow-up. The results of the current study showed no additional effects of an online CBM- training with an AAT, in addition to CBT treatment. There were some indications for an adverse effect of the CBM-training, because the placebo condition showed a stronger decrease in alcohol consumption, in particular among male patients. The current study showed preliminary outcomes and the original RCT is still running. The sample size and power in the current study were low and therefore the results should be interpreted carefully. Randomization has not led to comparable groups and this made it difficult to draw well-substantiated statements on the results. The contradictory results and conclusions give reason to further investigate them in the future.
Item Type:	Essay (Master)
Faculty:	BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:	77 psychology
Programme:	Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:	https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/72018
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