Efficacy of narrative reformulation during cognitive analytic therapy for depression: Randomized dismantling trial

Narrative reformulation (NR) is a component of cognitive analytic therapy (CAT) that is assumed to increase client engagement and improve clinical outcomes. This study set out to test these claims.

A single-blind randomized and controlled dismantling trial investigated treatment outcomes for moderate to severely depressed patients receiving CAT in Primary Care. Ninety-five participants were randomized to either full-CAT (n = 52) or CAT minus narrative reformulation (CAT-NR, n = 43). Treatment duration in both arms was 8-sessions and was matched apart from the omission of the NR in the CAT-NR arm. The primary outcome measure was the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), with secondary outcome measures of anxiety, functioning, helpfulness and the therapeutic alliance. Outcomes were assessed at screening, every treatment session and at 8-weeks follow-up.

Growth curve modelling found that NR did not enhance the efficacy of CAT for depression. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of attendance, adverse events, anxiety, functioning, helpfulness or therapeutic alliance. There were large within-group effect sizes (d₊ > 1.5), as CAT with or without NR produced significant reductions in depression (p < .01).

The primary outcome were assessed via self-report and the follow-up period was brief.

These results suggest that NR may be redundant when treating depression with CAT. Whilst a brief 8-session version of the CAT model appears suitable for treating depression in Primary Care, further research regarding the need for NR is indicated.