The neurocognitive mechanisms behind attention bias modification in anxiety : Proposals based on theoretical accounts of attentional bias

old_uid13216
titleThe neurocognitive mechanisms behind attention bias modification in anxiety : Proposals based on theoretical accounts of attentional bias
start_date2013/12/19
schedule11h-12h30
onlineno
location_infosalle G. Le Troubadour
summaryRecently, researchers have investigated the causal nature of attent ional bias for threat (AB) in the maintenance of anxiety disorders by experimentally manipulating it. They found that training anxious individuals to attend to nonthreat stimuli reduces AB, which, in turn, reduces anxiety. This effect supports the hypothes is that AB can causally impact the maintenance of anxiety. At a fundamental level, however, uncertainty still abounds regarding the nature of the processes that mediate t his effect. In this presentation , we propose that two contrasting approaches may be de rived from theoretical accounts of AB. According to a first class of models, called the “valence - specific bias” models, modifying AB requires the modification of valence - specific attentional selectivity. According to a second class of models, called the “attention control models”, modifying AB requires the modification of attention control, driven by the recruitment of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. We formulate a series of specific pred ictions, to provide suggestions to trial these two approaches one against the other. This knowledge is critical for understanding the mechanisms of AB in anxiety disorders, which bares important clinical implications.
responsiblesRigalleau, Croizet