抑郁症患者认知功能障碍的研究进展

本文对抑郁症患者认知功能障碍的特点、发生机理及治疗和预后进行了综述。抑郁症患者存在明显的注意、记忆、执行功能等认知功能障碍,但其发病机理目前还不十分清楚。抑郁症患者的社会功能障碍很大程度上由认知功能障碍导致,因此对此类患者认知功能障碍的评估与治疗是抑郁症治疗的重要方面。     

结构式团体认知行为治疗对轻症抑郁患者社会功能及生活质量的影响

目的:评估结构式团体认知行为治疗对轻症抑郁症患者社会功能及生活质量的影响。方法:采用前后对照设计,对102例轻症抑郁症患者每周1次、每次90 min、共12次的结构式团体认知行为治疗;并于治疗前、治疗第12、24、36和48周末随访时进行汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD-17)、6项生活质量问卷(SF-6)及大体功能评定量表(GAF)评估患者抑郁症状、社会功能和生活质量。结果:共有77例完成24周随访,59例完成36周随访,49例完成48周的随访。与治疗前比较,治疗后第12周HAMD-17评分明显下降,SF-6及GAF评分明显提高(P0.05或P0.01);且这种改变在随访的24、36和48周末仍持续存在。结论:结构式团体认知行为治疗可以有效改善轻症抑郁症患者的抑郁症状、社会功能及生活质量。     

团体积极心理疗法对老年卒中后抑郁患者的认知功能和情绪的影响

目的探讨老年卒中后抑郁(PSD)患者采用团体积极心理疗法的效果及对患者认知功能、抑郁情绪的影响。方法将我院接诊107例老年PSD患者采用掷币法分为对照组和研究组,对照组53例患者接受PSD常规干预,研究组54例患者在常规心理干预基础上加用团体积极心理疗法,比较两组患者干预前后认知功能评分、神经功能评分、焦虑及抑郁评分。结果干预后,研究组患者MMSE评分较对照组更高,差异显著(P0.05);研究组HAMA评分、NIHSS评分及HAMD评分均较对照组更低,差异显著(P0.05)。结论团体积极心理疗法能明显缓解PSD患者焦虑、抑郁等负面情绪,调节患者心理状态,提高患者治疗依从性及积极性,减轻神经功能损伤,改善患者认知功能。     

团体怀旧疗法对轻度阿尔茨海默病患者认知能力及生活质量的影响

目的探讨团体怀旧疗法对轻度阿尔茨海默病(AD)患者认知能力及生活质量的影响。方法选取2018-01—2019-11于郑州大学第五附属医院接受治疗的73例轻度AD患者,依据随机化原则法分为对照组(n=36)与观察组(n=37)。对照组行常规护理,观察组行团体怀旧疗法护理,比较2组认知能力及生活质量。结果干预后,2组MMSE评分均高于干预前,且观察组高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);干预后,2组躯体、社会、心理、环境、综合均高于干预前,且观察组高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论轻度AD患者采用团体怀旧疗法护理可有效提升患者认知能力,并有改善其生活质量,值得临床广泛推广应用。     

团体绘画治疗对康复期精神分裂症住院患者阴性症状、社会功能和自知力的治疗效果

目的 探讨团体绘画治疗对康复期精神分裂症住院患者阴性症状、社会功能和自知力的 治疗效果。方法 选取 2023 年 2— 8 月在武汉市精神卫生中心睡眠障碍病区和康养病区住院的 130 例 康复期精神分裂症患者作为研究对象。采用随机数字表法分为对照组（n=65）和研究组（n=65）,分别实 施常规治疗护理和联合团体绘画治疗。在干预前和干预 4 个月后,采用阳性与阴性症状量表（PANSS）、 社会功能缺陷筛选量表（SDSS）和自知力及治疗态度测量问卷（ITAQ）比较两组患者临床症状、社会功 能和对疾病的自知力情况。结果 共 125 例患者完成研究,其中研究组 63 例、对照组 62 例。两组患 者干预前 PANSS 各分量表、SDSS 和 ITAQ 评分比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞ 0.05）。对照组患者干预后 PANSS 阴性症状分量表评分低于干预前,差异有统计学意义（P＜ 0.01）。研究组患者干预后 PANSS 阴性 症状分量表、SDSS 评分低于对照组和干预前,ITAQ 评分高于对照组和干预前,差异均有统计学意义（均 P＜ 0.01）。结论 团体绘画治疗有助于改善康复期精神分裂症住院患者的阴性症状、社会功能和自 知力。     

青少年抑郁症患者的社会功能研究进展

抑郁症是青少年时期最常见的情感障碍之一，综合国内外研究可见抑郁症对青少年社会功能的影响很大，主要表现在人际关系、生活质量和学习能力3个方面。本文从这3个方面深入探讨了抑郁症对青少年社会功能的影响，并对青少年抑郁症患者社会功能评估及其治疗现状进行了综述，结果发现，目前国内外对青少年抑郁症患者的研究重点在其核心症状的改善，对其社会功能的评估及干预关注甚少。鉴于国内外指南均对抑郁症提出了“功能全面恢复”的治疗目标，在未来的研究中应考虑结合社会情境开发适用于我国国情的青少年抑郁症社会功能评估及干预测量工具，从而为改善青少年抑郁症患者的治疗结局提供依据。     

药物联合心理剧治疗对女性抑郁症患者抑郁、自尊、心理资本的影响

目的 探索药物联合心理剧治疗对女性抑郁症患者抑郁情绪、自尊、心理资本的影响,为女性抑郁症的临床治疗提供更多可能性。方法 纳入在重庆医科大学附属第一医院精神科就诊的、符合《国际疾病分类（第10版）》（ICD-10）诊断标准的女性抑郁症患者共50例,采用随机数字表法分为观察组和对照组各25例。在一线抗抑郁药物治疗的基础上,对观察组予以每两月一次、每次四天,共三次易术心理剧治疗,对照组接受一般健康教育。于干预前和干预6个月结束时采用贝克抑郁量表（BDI）、自尊量表（SES）及积极心理资本问卷（PPQ）对两组患者进行评定。结果 ①重复测量方差分析结果显示,抑郁情绪、自尊、心理资本及其各维度在时间测量与分组干预交互作用方面具有统计学意义（P均<0.05）。②简单效应分析结果显示,干预前,观察组及对照组在抑郁情绪、自尊、心理资本及其各维度评分差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;干预6个月后,两组患者抑郁情绪、自尊、心理资本及其各维度评分差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.05）。结论 抗抑郁药物联合心理剧治疗可能有助于改善女性抑郁症患者抑郁情绪、自尊及心理资本,且其效果较抗抑郁药物联合一般健康教育更好。     

团体认知行为治疗对轻度抑郁症患者生活质量及社会功能的作用

背景：有关中度至重度抑郁症的一些研究表明,联合使用认知行为治疗(cogniitve behavioral therapy, CBT)与抗抑郁药物的效果优于单独使用CBT或抗抑郁药物。很少研究关注团体CBT治疗和药物治疗对轻度抑郁症患者的效果。
　　目标：评估联合使用团体CBT治疗与抗抑郁药物对轻度抑郁患者生活质量及社会功能的影响。
　　方法：我们将62例轻度抑郁症患者随机分为对照组(n=30)与干预组(n=32),对照组予以抗抑郁药物治疗12周,干预组予以抗抑郁药物合并团体CBT治疗12周;此后,两组均持续药物治疗1年。在治疗后12周和一年随访结束时,对所有被试采用盲法进行汉密顿抑郁量表中文版(Chinese versions of the Hamilton Depression Raitng Scale)、汉密顿焦虑量表(Hamilton Anxiety Raitng Scale)、社会功能缺陷筛选量表(Social Disability Screen-ing Schedule)、生活满意度评定量表(Life Saitsfaciton Raitng)、多维社会支持感知(Mulitdimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support)和简明健康调查量表(Short Form Health Survey)的评估。
　　结果：重复测量的方差分析显示,治疗期间两组的抑郁和焦虑症状均明显改善,联合CBT与抗抑郁药物治疗的干预组的改善更大。几乎所有的社会功能、社会支持和生活质量评估同时表明CBT合并抗抑郁药物组比单用抗抑郁药物组的改善显著更多。此外,即使采用的协方差分析调整了基线时的人口学差异和临床特征以及随时间推移的抑郁和焦虑严重程度的变化差异,CBT合并抗抑郁药物组在团体治疗后12周和团体治疗结束后的一年后都比单用抗抑郁药物组的改善更为明显,且有统计学差异。
　　结论：单用抗抑郁药物或联合抗抑郁药治疗和团体CBT治疗都可以有效地改善轻度抑郁症患者的社会功能、生活质量和健康功能。然而,合并药物治疗和团体CBT治疗优于单用抗抑郁药物治疗,而且这些效益可以在CBT疗程结束后持续至少长达1年。     

药物治疗联合辩证行为疗法对老年抑郁症患者社会功能及病耻感的效果

目的探讨辩证行为疗法(DBT)对老年抑郁症患者抑郁症状、社会功能和病耻感的效果,为改善其社会功能、降低病耻感提供参考。方法按照随机数字表法将符合《精神障碍诊断与统计手册(第4版)》(DSM-IV)抑郁症诊断标准的164例老年抑郁症患者分为研究组和对照组各82例。对照组接受常规抗抑郁药治疗联合常规心理干预,研究组接受常规抗抑郁药物治疗联合DBT,两组均干预6个月。于干预前后采用汉密尔顿抑郁量表17项版(HAMD-17)、社会功能缺陷筛查量表(SDSS)和抑郁症病耻感量表(DSS)对两组进行评定。结果干预后,研究组HAMD-17、SDSS和DSS总评分均较干预前低(P均0.01),且干预后研究组HAMD-17和DSS总评分均低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P均0.01)。结论抗抑郁药物治疗联合DBT可能有助于减轻老年抑郁症患者抑郁严重程度,同时还可改善其社会功能、降低病耻感。     

团体认知行为治疗对轻度抑郁症患者生活质量及社会功能的作用（英文）

背景:有关中度至重度抑郁症的一些研究表明,联合使用认知行为治疗(cognitive behavioral therapy,CBT)与抗抑郁药物的效果优于单独使用CBT或抗抑郁药物。很少研究关注团体CBT治疗和药物治疗对轻度抑郁症患者的效果。目标:评估联合使用团体CBT治疗与抗抑郁药物对轻度抑郁患者生活质量及社会功能的影响。方法:我们将62例轻度抑郁症患者随机分为对照组(n=30)与干预组(n=32),对照组予以抗抑郁药物治疗12周,干预组予以抗抑郁药物合并团体CBT治疗12周;此后,两组均持续药物治疗1年。在治疗后12周和一年随访结束时,对所有被试采用盲法进行汉密顿抑郁量表中文版(Chinese versions of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale)、汉密顿焦虑量表(Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale)、社会功能缺陷筛选量表(Social Disability Screening Schedule)、生活满意度评定量表(Life Satisfaction Rating)、多维社会支持感知(Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support)和简明健康调查量表(Short Form Health Survey)的评估。结果:重复测量的方差分析显示,治疗期间两组的抑郁和焦虑症状均明显改善,联合CBT与抗抑郁药物治疗的干预组的改善更大。几乎所有的社会功能、社会支持和生活质量评估同时表明CBT合并抗抑郁药物组比单用抗抑郁药物组的改善显著更多。此外,即使采用的协方差分析调整了基线时的人口学差异和临床特征以及随时间推移的抑郁和焦虑严重程度的变化差异,CBT合并抗抑郁药物组在团体治疗后12周和团体治疗结束后的一年后都比单用抗抑郁药物组的改善更为明显,且有统计学差异。结论:单用抗抑郁药物或联合抗抑郁药治疗和团体CBT治疗都可以有效地改善轻度抑郁症患者的社会功能、生活质量和健康功能。然而,合并药物治疗和团体CBT治疗优于单用抗抑郁药物治疗,而且这些效益可以在CBT疗程结束后持续至少长达1年。     

Adapting and Optimizing Problem Adaptation Therapy (PATH) for People With Mild-Moderate Dementia and Depression

ObjectiveTo adapt and optimize problem adaptation therapy for depression in dementia by grounding it in the lives of people with dementia, caregivers and clinicians.MethodsA person-centered qualitative approach was taken to elicit the unique cognitive, psychological and social needs of people with dementia relevant to the adaptation of the intervention. A two-stage design was used: the first involved interviews and focus groups to identify priorities and concerns surrounding depression in dementia, the second trialling of the adapted intervention.ParticipantsTen people with dementia and nine caregivers participated in individual interviews, 35 healthcare practitioners and clinical academics with experience of working with dementia participated in focus groups.ResultsThe findings highlight the importance of addressing key themes that typified the experience of depression among people with dementia including: a profound sense of isolation and role loss, the feeling of being both a burden and poorly understood, polarized thinking, interpersonal tensions, diverging views among carers and people with dementia about their capabilities, and changeability in cognitive ability and mood. These themes were used to inform adaptation of the intervention manual, ensuring that its content and delivery addressed the concerns of both people with depression and dementia and those who support them.ConclusionImplications for PATH included a focus on facilitating open communication, supporting the continuation of valued roles, and improving confidence.     

Le changement psychologique d’hommes auteurs de violences conjugales après leur thérapie en groupe de responsabilisation

ObjectivesThe aim of our research was to examine the association between impulsivity, alexithymia and depression and the perpetration of physical and psychological intimate partner violence. We focused on these particular psychological characteristics in order to understand this phenomenon and its prevention and/or treatment. Our initial study of fifty-six male perpetrators showed domestic violence was associated with a high level of alexithymia and depression. Analyses showed they reported more depressive feelings, and more difficulties to express their emotions than did general population. To determine if reductions were noted about these psychological characteristics at the end of intervention program, the present study examined longitudinal data.Patients and methodsTwenty-four male offenders (voluntary or judicialized) were surveyed using self-report questionnaires and structured clinical interview to collect sociodemographic data and to assess specific psychological variables, namely emotional distress (Beck Depression Inventory), impulsive behavior (Barratt Impulsivity Scale 11) and alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale 20), the inability to experience and express subjective emotions. These men were examined before the start of therapeutic program (T1) and at the end of it (T2), after 42 hours of psychological support.ResultsFindings showed both alexithymia and depression were reduced after therapeutic management. Analyses showed male intimate partner violence offenders reported less difficulty to express their emotions and less depressive feelings at the end of their intervention program. However, we only observe a significant result for alexithymia and its dimension “difficulties identifying feelings”. Impulsivity, on the other side, remains unchanged between the two evaluation times for all participants after the therapeutic program.ConclusionOur findings suggested a strong link between alexithymia and domestic violence and showed the positive effect of specific therapeutic interventions on alexithymia and depression. We pointed out the fact that with the decrease of alexithymia, participants may have a better awareness of themselves and of their behavior. In conclusion, it is encouraging to note that specific treatment programs increase awareness about the problem of intimate partner violence.     

Important Correlates of Purpose in Life Identified Through a Machine Learning Approach

ObjectiveA wealth of evidence has linked purpose in life (PiL) to better mental and physical health and healthy aging. Here, the authors aimed to determine important correlates of PiL using a machine learning approach.MethodsParticipants were recruited from retirement communities by the Rush Memory and Aging Project and assessed for childhood experience, adulthood sociodemographic factors (e.g., education, income, marital status), lifestyle and health behavior (e.g., cognitively stimulating activities, exercise, social activities, social network size), psychological factors (e.g., depression, loneliness, perceived discrimination, perceived social support), personality traits (e.g., PiL, harm avoidance), and medical conditions. Elastic Net was implemented to identify important correlates of PiL.ResultsA total of 1,839 participants were included in our analysis. Among the 23 variables provided to Elastic Net, 10 were identified as important correlates of PiL. In order of decreasing effect size, factors associated with lower PiL were loneliness, harm avoidance, older age, and depressive symptoms, while those associated with greater PiL were perceived social support, more social activities, more years of education, higher income, intact late-life cognitive performance, and more middle-age cognitive activities.ConclusionOur findings identify potentially important modifiable factors as targets for intervention strategies to enhance PiL.     

A multi-center,randomized controlled trial of a group psychological intervention for psychosis with comorbid cannabis dependence over the early course of illness

BackgroundPatients who experience the onset of psychotic illness with a comorbid diagnosis of cannabis dependence experience poor clinical outcomes. Few studies have identified interventions that reduce cannabis use and improve clinical outcome in this population.AimsWe undertook a multi-center, randomized controlled trial of a group psychological intervention for psychosis with comorbid cannabis dependence to determine whether there was any impact on cannabis use symptoms, global functioning, insight, attitudes to treatment and subjective quality of life.MethodAcross three centers, we compared a group psychological intervention, based on cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, with treatment as usual among patients experiencing their first psychotic episode or early in the course of psychotic illness. Substance misuse and indices of clinical outcome were assessed at baseline, 3 months and 1 year.ResultsAt 3 month and 1 year follow-ups, there was no evidence for an intervention effect on cannabis use, symptoms, global functioning insight or attitude to treatment. However, the intervention improved subjective quality of life at 3 months and this effect was sustained at 1 year.ConclusionsOver the early phase of psychotic illness, group psychological interventions for those with comorbid cannabis dependence improved subjective quality of life. However, this was not associated with reduction in use of cannabis or improvement in clinical outcomes.     

Examining internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease on haemodialysis: A feasibility open trial

ObjectiveTreating depression among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is imperative because of its high prevalence and health-related costs. However, many patients with CKD experience significant barriers to effective face-to-face psychological treatments. Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (iCBT) may help overcome the treatment barriers. The aim of the present study was to explore the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of iCBT for depression and anxiety among patients with CKD on haemodialysis.MethodsA single-group open trial design involving 22 patients on dialysis and an established iCBT treatment for anxiety and depression was employed. The primary outcomes were symptoms of depression, anxiety and general psychological distress. The secondary and tertiary outcomes were disability, quality of life, kidney disease-related loss and kidney disease burden. A generalised estimation equation modelling technique was employed.ResultsClinically significant improvements (avg. % of improvement) were observed in the primary outcomes of depression (34%), anxiety (31%) and general distress (26%), which were maintained or further improved to 3-month follow-up. Improvements were also observed for quality of life (12%) and kidney disease-related loss (30%). However, no improvements in disability and kidney disease burden were found. High levels of acceptability were reported and relatively little clinician time (99.45 min; SD = 14.61) was needed to provide the treatment.ConclusionThe present results provide encouraging support for the potential of iCBT as an innovative way of increasing access to effective psychological treatment for CKD patients. These results provide much needed support for further research in this area.Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12613000103763.     

缓解期单相与双相抑郁障碍患者功能失调性态度及认知应对策略比较

目的 探讨缓解期单相与双相抑郁障碍患者功能失调性态度和认知应对策略的差异,为其心理干预提供参考。 方法 选取符合《国际疾病分类（第10版）》（ICD-10）情感障碍诊断标准的缓解期双相抑郁障碍患者（n=83）和缓解期单相抑郁障碍患者（n=76）作为研究对象。采用认知情绪调节问卷中文版（CERQ-C）、贝克抑郁量表21项版（BDI-21）和功能失调性态度问卷（DAS）对两组患者进行评定。 结果 双相抑郁组DAS总评分及各因子评分均高于单相抑郁组,差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.01）。双相抑郁组CERQ-C积极重新关注、积极重新评价、自我责难、沉思因子评分和不适应性调节策略总评分均高于单相抑郁组,差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.01）。 结论 缓解期双相抑郁患者较单相抑郁患者可能具有更严重的功能失调性态度与认知应对策略问题。     

Predictors of depressive symptoms in patients with stroke – a three-month follow-up

Background and purposeDepression is one of the most common post-stroke complications, which could impair rehabilitation outcome and quality of life, and could also increase mortality after stroke. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between demographic, socioeconomic and clinical (stroke risk factors, type of stroke, location of vascular lesion, cognitive functions) factors on the presence and severity of post-stroke depressive symptoms in patients after first ever stroke as well as on their social functioning.Material and methodsA prospective, cohort study with a three-month observation period was performed in seven centres. Severity of depressive symptoms was assessed with the help of a short, 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), 3 months after stroke onset.ResultsOn the basis of GDS (GDS ≤ 5 points or > 5 points) patients were allocated to a group without (n = 160) or with symptoms suggestive of depression (n = 82). The study groups did not differ with respect to age, sex or place of residence. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that independent predictors for the presence of symptoms suggestive of depression at 3 months after stroke were: low level of education, low income, greater severity of stroke, worse functional status, self-reported problems with daily-living activities and need of help in daily living activities. More than 60% of patients with depressive symptoms limited their social contacts. Patients with depressive symptoms were unsatisfied with their relations with life partners and friends.ConclusionsOur study showed a complex aetiology of post-stroke depressive symptoms with an important role of socioeconomic factors. Depressive symptoms after stroke worsen existing health, social and economic problems, and cause social isolation of patients.     

Social support and cognitive functioning as resources for elderly persons with chronic arthritis pain

Objective: Arthritis pain and depression are prevalent physical and psychological disorders in late life and co-occur frequently. We explored the stability and covariation of arthritis pain and depressive symptoms. We also addressed the influence of cognitive functioning and social support on the relationship between pain and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older individuals.

Method: This longitudinal study utilized a sample of 299 residents of Florida retirement communities who participated in a long-term panel study using yearly assessments across 4 years. Using multilevel modeling, we modeled the individual differences as well as stability in arthritis pain and depressive symptoms simultaneously. Further, we tested the role of cognitive functioning and social support in the association between arthritis pain and depressive symptoms.

Results: We found substantial within-person variation in both pain and depressive symptoms (between 58% and 65%) across 4 years even after controlling for a time effect. After controlling for arthritis pain, persons with higher social support and higher cognitive functioning reported lower levels of depressive symptoms.

Discussion: Findings suggest that fluctuations in pain and depressive symptoms are common for older adults. Furthermore, social support and intact cognitive functioning may serve as useful resources, as they buffer the negative impact of arthritis pain on depressive symptoms.     

Mindfulness-based stress reduction in middle-aged and older adults with memory complaints: a mixed-methods study

ABSTRACT

Objectives: In a rapidly aging world population, an increasingly large group faces age-related decline in cognitive functioning. Cognitive complaints of older adults are often related to worries and concerns associated with age-related functional decline. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) can successfully target stress, worry and ruminative thinking, but the applicability of this method in middle-aged and older adults with memory complaints is unclear.

Method: Patients of a university hospital memory clinic (n = 13), aged 45–85 years, with memory complaints but no diagnosis of cognitive disorder, participated in a standard 8-week MBSR program, consisting of weekly group meetings and a one-day silent retreat. After completion, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Questionnaires (administered before, one week after and five weeks after the intervention) assessed quality of life, psychological distress (stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms), mindfulness, self-compassion, and subjective memory functioning. Neurocognitive functioning was assessed online, before and after the intervention.

Results: The qualitative analysis showed positive effects of the training (e.g. increased serenity), many participants worrying less about memory complaints. The self-reported measures were in line with the results of the qualitative analysis.

Conclusion: This exploratory mixed-methods study suggests that MBSR is feasible and well received among older individuals with cognitive complaints.     

Étude préliminaire de l’effet de l’activation comportementale sur les biais attentionnels envers l’information émotionnelle à valence positive et négative

ObjectivesBehavioural activation improves mental health and psychological functioning, especially among patients with depression. Behavioural activation is associated with the improvement of several mechanisms, such as activation, avoidance, and environmental reward. Behavioural activation may also improve cognitive control abilities. Finally, studies on neurological changes suggested an improvement of the functioning of reward structures in response to positive stimuli after a BA treatment. Yet, uncertainty abounds regarding the putative mechanisms of behavioural activation. Prominent cognitive models of depression posit that attentional bias for negative and positive information may play an important role in the maintenance of a depressive mood. Inspired by these models and the results by the mentioned above, we investigated the impact of behavioural activation treatment for depression on attentional selectivity for sad and positive materials. We predicted that (1) attention to sad faces would be reduced after the intervention, (2) attention to happy faces would be enhanced after the intervention, and finally (3) the intervention would improve depressive symptomatology, activation, avoidance and environmental reward.Materials and methodEight undergraduate students with medium to moderate depressive symptoms participated in a six-week behavioural activation intervention. A dot-probe task with happy and sad faces and self-report questionnaires focused on depression, activation, avoidance, and environmental reward were administered before and after the intervention.ResultsDepression, avoidance, and environmental reward scores improved after treatment with large effect sizes. Behavioural activation likewise improves attentional bias for positive faces. However, there was no attentional bias for sad faces at either evaluation time.ConclusionThe preliminary nature of our findings notwithstanding, this study is the first to provide evidence of behavioural activation impact on attentional selectivity vis-à-vis positive material.