Interpretation Bias Across Body Dysmorphic, Social Anxiety and Generalized Anxiety Disorder—A Multilevel, Diffusion Model Account

Abstract Background Interpretation biases are suggested to be transdiagnostic phenomena, but have rarely been compared across different disorders and current concerns. Methods We investigated explicit, decision-based, more implicit, reaction time-based interpretation bias in individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD; N = 29), social anxiety (SAD; 36), generalized (GAD; 22), non-clinical controls (NC; 32), using an adapted Word Sentence Association Paradigm (WSAP). Results indicated that occurred transdiagnostically, while content-specific patterns varied meaningfully groups. BDD SAD shared explicit and, inconsistently, implicit for appearance-related situations. The GAD group exhibited negative general situations, additional lack of positive bias. Mechanistic Wiener diffusion model analyses revealed were mainly driven by speeded information uptake, potentially mirroring disorder-specific associative memory organization. Conclusions These findings important implications understanding as both etiological treatment factors.