Cognitive Bias Modification for Addictive Disorders: Emerging Knowledge and Persistent Gaps

Abstract

The advances in experimental psychology have led to the discovery of unconscious, automatic biases (attentional and approach biases) that account for the lapse and relapses amongst individuals with addictive disorders. To date, there has been extensive investigation into the assessment and modification of attention biases amongst individuals with the highly prevalent substance use disorders. Alternative modalities, such as technology, has also been evaluated for the delivery of these interventions. Given this, the specific objectives of this perspective article are in highlighting the emerging knowledge that has accrued over the last three years, and in addressing several of the research gaps in the previous article. Firstly, this perspective article will examine the evidence for biases and bias modification amongst the highly prevalent substance use disorders. This article will also examine how such bias modification has been utilized clinically. Secondly, this perspective article will also examine how technology has been applied to these bias modification interventions. Thirdly, this article will also examine the literature to highlight the biological underpinnings following bias modification. Fourthly, this article also examines the limitations of existing bias modification paradigms and methods taken to better these conventional interventions. The article concludes with highlighting the outstanding gaps in the current knowledge. To date, there remains mixed evidence for the modification of attention biases; and there are a paucity of studies examining the effectiveness of mobile delivery of bias intervention. Only one study has considered patients’ perspective in the development of an intervention. There remained several gaps in the knowledge, which future research could address.