Sample characteristics*
| Characteristic | Placebo (n = 70) | ABM (n = 64) | F | p value† |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age, yr | 39.65 ± 13.54 | 39.09 ± 12.80 | 0.061 | 0.81 |
| Female, no. | 44 | 47 | 1.717 | 0.20 |
| Education level, ISCED | 5.92 ± 1.20 | 5.85 ± 1.27 | 0.113 | 0.74 |
| SSRI medication, no.‡ | 23 | 22 | 0.035 | 0.86 |
| No. of major depressive episodes§ | 4.48 ± 5.30 | 4.79 ± 7.56 | 0.077 | 0.78 |
| Days between ABM and fMRI | 6.94 ± 8.70 | 6.65 ± 7.19 | 0.041 | 0.84 |
| Baseline symptoms | ||||
| Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression | 7.53 ± 4.69 | 9.56 ± 6.38 | 4.469 | 0.036 |
| Beck Depression Inventory II | 12.09 ± 8.66 | 17.12 ± 11.62 | 8.187 | 0.005 |
ABM = attentional bias modification; fMRI = functional MRI; ISCED = International Standard Classification of Education; SSRI = selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
↵* Unless otherwise indicated, findings are presented as mean ± standard deviation.
↵† Pearson χ2 test for dichotomous variables.
↵‡ Any current use of an antidepressant belonging to the SSRI class.
↵§ According to the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview.