Reconciling attentional bias in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract

Findings on attentional bias (AB) in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are highly mixed. Although some studies provide evidence for a threat-related AB in OCD, many others yield null effects. The present review considers three potential factors that may help reconcile this inconsistency: disorder heterogeneity, methodological approaches, and individual differences in attentional control. Reconciling this inconsistency in future research may yield findings that can more directly inform the development of more effective treatment strategies.