[Development and evaluation of a group therapy for functional memory and attention disorder]

Functional Memory and Attention Disorder (FMD) is regularly seen in patients presenting in psychosomatic or memory clinics. The aim of this study was the evaluation of a novel group therapy for FMD in a randomized controlled trial.

40 FMD patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental (EG) or the wait-list control group (CG). Out of these 35/31 were analysed (intent to treat vs. observed cases respectively). The intervention consisted of psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, stress management, relaxation and mindfulness techniques. Data were collected at baseline, three months (post-intervention) and six months (follow-up). Primary outcome was the memory self-efficacy measure of the Metamemory in Adulthood Questionnaire (MSE). Secondary outcomes were the sum scores of the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and the SCL-90-R.

The EG showed a significantly higher improvement on MSE at follow-up than the CG. No significant group differences emerged on PSQ or SCL-90-R. The CG showed stable MSE scores during the waiting period without intervention. However, after the CG received their therapy the same pattern on MSE scores as seen in the EG emerged.

This study provides preliminary evidence for an improvement of memory self efficacy in FMD through a newly devised group therapy program consisting of different modules. This result ought to be replicated in larger studies.