We cannot change the past, but we can change its meaning. A randomized controlled trial on the effects of self-help imagery rescripting on depression

TY - JOUR

T1 - We cannot change the past, but we can change its meaning. A randomized controlled trial on the effects of self-help imagery rescripting on depression

AU - Moritz, Steffen

AU - Ahlf-Schumacher, Jana

AU - Hottenrott, Birgit

AU - Peter, Ulrike

AU - Franck, Stephanie

AU - Schnell, Thomas

AU - Peter, Helmut

AU - Schneider, Brooke C

AU - Jelinek, Lena

N1 - Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

PY - 2018/5

Y1 - 2018/5

N2 - BACKGROUND: Imagery rescripting is a psychotherapeutic technique that aims to ameliorate negative emotions by altering (i.e., rescripting) inner representations of negative memories and images. Although the treatment was initially developed for traumatized individuals, face-to-face interventions have yielded promising results for patients with other diagnoses as well. The present study explored the feasibility and efficacy of the approach when used as a self-help intervention for depression.METHOD: A total of 127 individuals with diagnosed depression were randomly allocated to either a wait-list control condition or received a brief or long version of a manual teaching imagery rescripting. Six weeks after inclusion, patients were invited to participate in the post assessment. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) served as the primary outcome (registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03299127).RESULTS: The long version was superior to the wait-list control condition on the BDI-II, self-esteem, and quality of life at a medium effect size. No effects emerged for anxiety. No significant between-group differences were found for the brief version. Moderation analyses indicated that the self-help approach seems particularly beneficial for those scoring high on symptoms, willingness to change, and expectancy (baseline). Most patients indicated they would use the technique in the future.DISCUSSION: The efficacy of imagery rescripting was confirmed when applied via self-help. Use of the long form of the manual is recommended. Future studies are needed to ascertain whether treatment effects are sustained over time.

AB - BACKGROUND: Imagery rescripting is a psychotherapeutic technique that aims to ameliorate negative emotions by altering (i.e., rescripting) inner representations of negative memories and images. Although the treatment was initially developed for traumatized individuals, face-to-face interventions have yielded promising results for patients with other diagnoses as well. The present study explored the feasibility and efficacy of the approach when used as a self-help intervention for depression.METHOD: A total of 127 individuals with diagnosed depression were randomly allocated to either a wait-list control condition or received a brief or long version of a manual teaching imagery rescripting. Six weeks after inclusion, patients were invited to participate in the post assessment. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) served as the primary outcome (registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03299127).RESULTS: The long version was superior to the wait-list control condition on the BDI-II, self-esteem, and quality of life at a medium effect size. No effects emerged for anxiety. No significant between-group differences were found for the brief version. Moderation analyses indicated that the self-help approach seems particularly beneficial for those scoring high on symptoms, willingness to change, and expectancy (baseline). Most patients indicated they would use the technique in the future.DISCUSSION: The efficacy of imagery rescripting was confirmed when applied via self-help. Use of the long form of the manual is recommended. Future studies are needed to ascertain whether treatment effects are sustained over time.

KW - Journal Article

U2 - 10.1016/j.brat.2018.02.007

DO - 10.1016/j.brat.2018.02.007

M3 - SCORING: Journal article

C2 - 29597112

VL - 104

SP - 74

EP - 83

JO - BEHAV RES THER

JF - BEHAV RES THER

SN - 0005-7967

ER -