Gamified Adaptive Approach Bias Modification in Individuals With Methamphetamine Use History From Communities in Sichuan: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract BackgroundCognitive bias modification (CBM) programs have shown promise in treating psychiatric conditions, but they can be perceived as boring and repetitive. Incorporating gamified designs and adaptive algorithms in CBM training may address this issue and enhance en...

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Main Authors: Danlin Shen, Jianping Jiao, Liqun Zhang, Yanru Liu, Xiang Liu, Yuanhui Li, Tianjiao Zhang, Dai Li, Wei Hao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: JMIR Publications 2025-03-01
Series:JMIR Serious Games
Online Access:https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e56978
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author Danlin Shen
Jianping Jiao
Liqun Zhang
Yanru Liu
Xiang Liu
Yuanhui Li
Tianjiao Zhang
Dai Li
Wei Hao
author_facet Danlin Shen
Jianping Jiao
Liqun Zhang
Yanru Liu
Xiang Liu
Yuanhui Li
Tianjiao Zhang
Dai Li
Wei Hao
author_sort Danlin Shen
collection DOAJ
description Abstract BackgroundCognitive bias modification (CBM) programs have shown promise in treating psychiatric conditions, but they can be perceived as boring and repetitive. Incorporating gamified designs and adaptive algorithms in CBM training may address this issue and enhance engagement and effectiveness. ObjectivesThis study aims to gather preliminary data and assess the preliminary efficacy of an adaptive approach bias modification (A-ApBM) paradigm in reducing cue-induced craving in individuals with methamphetamine use history. MethodsA randomized controlled trial with 3 arms was conducted. Individuals aged 18‐60 years with methamphetamine dependence and at least 1 year of methamphetamine use were recruited from 12 community-based rehabilitation centers in Sichuan, China. Individuals with the inability to fluently operate a smartphone and the presence of mental health conditions other than methamphetamine use disorder were excluded. The A-ApBM group engaged in ApBM training using a smartphone app for 4 weeks. The A-ApBM used an adaptive algorithm to dynamically adjust the difficulty level based on individual performance. Cue-induced craving scores and relapses were assessed using a visual analogue scale at baseline, postintervention, and at week-16 follow-up. ResultsA total of 136 participants were recruited and randomized: 48 were randomized to the A-ApBM group, 48 were randomized to the static approach bias modification (S-ApBM) group, and 40 were randomized to the no-intervention control group. The A-ApBM group showed a significant reduction in cue-induced craving scores at postintervention compared with baseline (Cohen dP<dP ConclusionsThe A-ApBM paradigm with gamified designs and dynamic difficulty adjustments may be an effective intervention for reducing cue-induced craving in individuals with methamphetamine use history. This approach improves engagement and personalization, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of CBM programs. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the application of A-ApBM in other psychiatric conditions.
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spelling doaj-art-e4a4944a083546838272dbabdb3fcd142025-08-20T01:50:05ZengJMIR PublicationsJMIR Serious Games2291-92792025-03-0113e56978e5697810.2196/56978Gamified Adaptive Approach Bias Modification in Individuals With Methamphetamine Use History From Communities in Sichuan: Pilot Randomized Controlled TrialDanlin Shenhttp://orcid.org/0009-0008-7930-4213Jianping Jiaohttp://orcid.org/0009-0002-9656-489XLiqun Zhanghttp://orcid.org/0009-0000-2930-5412Yanru Liuhttp://orcid.org/0000-0003-1993-1465Xiang Liuhttp://orcid.org/0000-0003-2224-1254Yuanhui Lihttp://orcid.org/0009-0005-7260-4342Tianjiao Zhanghttp://orcid.org/0009-0007-1380-8104Dai Lihttp://orcid.org/0009-0006-3283-2233Wei Haohttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-3392-1653 Abstract BackgroundCognitive bias modification (CBM) programs have shown promise in treating psychiatric conditions, but they can be perceived as boring and repetitive. Incorporating gamified designs and adaptive algorithms in CBM training may address this issue and enhance engagement and effectiveness. ObjectivesThis study aims to gather preliminary data and assess the preliminary efficacy of an adaptive approach bias modification (A-ApBM) paradigm in reducing cue-induced craving in individuals with methamphetamine use history. MethodsA randomized controlled trial with 3 arms was conducted. Individuals aged 18‐60 years with methamphetamine dependence and at least 1 year of methamphetamine use were recruited from 12 community-based rehabilitation centers in Sichuan, China. Individuals with the inability to fluently operate a smartphone and the presence of mental health conditions other than methamphetamine use disorder were excluded. The A-ApBM group engaged in ApBM training using a smartphone app for 4 weeks. The A-ApBM used an adaptive algorithm to dynamically adjust the difficulty level based on individual performance. Cue-induced craving scores and relapses were assessed using a visual analogue scale at baseline, postintervention, and at week-16 follow-up. ResultsA total of 136 participants were recruited and randomized: 48 were randomized to the A-ApBM group, 48 were randomized to the static approach bias modification (S-ApBM) group, and 40 were randomized to the no-intervention control group. The A-ApBM group showed a significant reduction in cue-induced craving scores at postintervention compared with baseline (Cohen dP<dP ConclusionsThe A-ApBM paradigm with gamified designs and dynamic difficulty adjustments may be an effective intervention for reducing cue-induced craving in individuals with methamphetamine use history. This approach improves engagement and personalization, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of CBM programs. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the application of A-ApBM in other psychiatric conditions.https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e56978
spellingShingle Danlin Shen
Jianping Jiao
Liqun Zhang
Yanru Liu
Xiang Liu
Yuanhui Li
Tianjiao Zhang
Dai Li
Wei Hao
Gamified Adaptive Approach Bias Modification in Individuals With Methamphetamine Use History From Communities in Sichuan: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
JMIR Serious Games
title Gamified Adaptive Approach Bias Modification in Individuals With Methamphetamine Use History From Communities in Sichuan: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
title_full Gamified Adaptive Approach Bias Modification in Individuals With Methamphetamine Use History From Communities in Sichuan: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
title_fullStr Gamified Adaptive Approach Bias Modification in Individuals With Methamphetamine Use History From Communities in Sichuan: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
title_full_unstemmed Gamified Adaptive Approach Bias Modification in Individuals With Methamphetamine Use History From Communities in Sichuan: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
title_short Gamified Adaptive Approach Bias Modification in Individuals With Methamphetamine Use History From Communities in Sichuan: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
title_sort gamified adaptive approach bias modification in individuals with methamphetamine use history from communities in sichuan pilot randomized controlled trial
url https://games.jmir.org/2025/1/e56978
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