A compassionate imagery intervention for patients with persecutory delusions
Ava Forkert1,2, Poppy Brown3, Daniel Freeman3,2
1Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training, Oxford, UK.
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
|June 3, 2021
Summary
A brief compassionate imagery intervention showed promise in reducing paranoia and negative self-beliefs in patients with persecutory delusions. The study found the therapy feasible, acceptable, and beneficial for improving self-compassion.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Interventions
Background:
- Negative self-beliefs and low self-compassion are linked to paranoia.
- Improving self-compassion may reduce paranoia in affected individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a brief compassionate imagery intervention.
- To assess the potential clinical effects of this intervention on patients with persecutory delusions.
Main Methods:
- A four-session individual compassionate imagery intervention was administered to 12 patients with persecutory delusions.
- Assessments of self-concept, negative self-beliefs, and paranoia were conducted pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 1-month follow-up.
- A qualitative study explored participants' experiences with the intervention.
Main Results:
- The intervention was feasible and acceptable, with 12 of 14 eligible patients participating and completing all sessions.
- Significant improvements were observed in self-compassion, negative self-beliefs, and paranoia post-treatment.
- Qualitative analysis revealed themes of 'effortful learning,' 'seeing change,' and 'taking it forward,' with participants reporting feeling calmer and gaining clarity.
Conclusions:
- A brief compassionate imagery intervention is a feasible and acceptable treatment for patients with persecutory delusions.
- The intervention shows potential for clinical benefits, including reduced paranoia and improved self-compassion.
- Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy of this approach in larger trials.
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