Effect of attention bias modification on brain function and anxiety in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A preliminary electroencephalogram and psycho‐behavioral study

Background Gastrointestinal symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS ) show a reciprocal relationship with anxiety. In this intervention‐based study, we investigated the utility of attention bias modification ( ABM ) therapy in patients with IBS . We hypothesized that IBS ‐related electroencephalographic abnormalities would be normalized after ABM therapy. Methods Seventeen patients with IBS and 13 healthy subjects completed five ABM intervention sessions over a 2‐month period. Each session included 128 ABM trials, resulting in a total of 640 trials across the intervention period. For each trial, subjects viewed a pair of facial expression images and were instructed to indicate the position of the neutral face as quickly and accurately as possible by pressing one of two buttons on a button box. Electroencephalography data (alpha and beta power percentages) were collected during the 1st and 5th sessions. Key Results Generalized estimating equations of relative alpha power revealed a significant effect of period was identified at O2 ( P =.036). Paired t tests revealed that ABM significantly increased relative alpha power at O2 in patients with IBS . Generalized estimating equation of relative beta power revealed a significant effect of the group × period interaction was identified at Pz ( P =.035). Paired t tests revealed that ABM significantly decreased relative beta power at Pz in patients with IBS . Conclusions & Inferences Attention bias modification may normalize brain function related to attention and anxiety in patients with IBS .