A Journey Through Time - Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Add-on Effects of Imagery...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Depression is often linked to recurring distressing memories, particularly from childhood.
• These memories can negatively impact cognitive schemas, contributing to depression.
• Imagery rescripting (ImRs) is a therapeutic technique to modify distressing memories and their emotional impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a three-session ImRs intervention added to standard CBT for depression.
• To compare the effectiveness of ImRs combined with CBT against an active control (imagery relaxation).

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial involving 66 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) undergoing CBT.
• Participants were randomized to either ImRs + CBT or imagery relaxation + CBT.
• The primary outcome was the reduction in depressive symptoms, measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-ups.

Main Results:

• Results are pending as this is a study protocol.
• The study is designed to measure the effectiveness of the ImRs intervention.

Conclusions:

• This study will determine if ImRs enhances CBT effectiveness for depression.
• Findings may highlight the potential of ImRs as a novel intervention for depression.