Treatment of recurrent major depression with attention training

This study evaluated the effectiveness of Attention Training (ATT; Wells, 1 990) in the treatment of recurrent major depression. This technique is base d on an information processing model of emotional disorders (Wells & Matthe ws, 1994) in which self-focused attention and metacognition maintain dysfun ction. ATT was evaluated in a consecutive single-case series of patients re ferred for treatment of recurrent major depression. Patients were assigned to no-treatment baselines of 3 to 5 weeks, administered five to eight weekl y sessions of ATT; and followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months posttreatment. Th e effects of ATT on depression, anxiety, negative automatic thoughts, rumin ation, self-focused attention, and metacognition were assessed. Following A TT, all patients showed clinically significant reductions in depression and anxiety. Reductions in negative automatic thoughts, rumination, and attent ional and metacognitive factors showed similar improvements. All scores fel l within the normal range on completion of ATT. Treatment gains were mainta ined at the 12-month follow-up assessments. However randomized controlled t rials of ATT are required before firm conclusions can be drawn.