Effects of software-based cognitive bias modification on stress, anxiety, and depression disorders among patients in methadone maintenance treatment: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objectives: Opioid abuse is one of the most critical problems today, and individuals struggling with this issue often experience stress, anxiety, and depression disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effects of software-based cognitive bias modification on stress, anxiety, and depression disorders among patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment. Methods: This double-blind clinical trial was conducted in 2022. Eighty-four participants were selected through convenience sampling from individuals undergoing methadone maintenance treatment for opioid abuse at an addiction treatment center in Isfahan city. They were then randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=42) or the control group (n=42). The intervention involved a four-week program utilizing software-based cognitive bias modification through the dot-probe task, with two sessions per week. Participants in both groups completed DASS21 questionnaires before, immediately after, and two months following the intervention. Results: The repeated- measures ANOVA test revealed statistically significant differences in the mean scores of stress (P<0.001), anxiety (P<0.001), and depression (P<0.001) disorders in the intervention group before, immediately after, and two months post-intervention. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that software-based cognitive bias modification can lead to a reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression disorders among patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment. Therefore, incorporating this program alongside other treatment methods for individuals in methadone maintenance treatment is recommended.