Improving Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder by Reducing Negative Future-Oriented Mental Imagery

Launched by ACADEMISCH MEDISCH CENTRUM - UNIVERSITEIT VAN AMSTERDAM (AMC-UVA) · Jun 6, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) by targeting negative thoughts about the future. Many patients with MDD find that traditional treatments don’t work well for them, so researchers want to see if a technique called "imagery rescripting" can help. In this study, half of the 50 participants will receive standard treatment along with 3-5 sessions of imagery rescripting, where they will learn to change distressing future images, like thoughts of suicide or loss, into more positive ones. The other half will only receive the standard treatment.

To be eligible, participants must be at least 18 years old, diagnosed with MDD, and have specific negative thoughts that cause them distress. All participants will complete some questionnaires and a brief online or phone interview at the start of the study. After finishing the study, they will receive a €25 reimbursement. This pilot study aims to find out if this new approach is acceptable and feasible for patients, which will help in planning a larger study in the future to better understand its effectiveness. There are no major risks involved in participating, making it a safe option for those who qualify.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 18 years or older;
• • Meet DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder;
• • Presence of 1-3 negative future-oriented mental images, which cause distress;
• • Be able to understand questionnaires and study information letter;
• • In case of medication use: are stable on medication for six weeks or longer.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current or history of psychotic disorder;
• • Current or history of bipolar disorder;
• • Severe cognitive impairment (e.g., mental retardation) as evidenced by educational records, parental report and/or clinical impression;
• • Current EMDR or imagery rescripting therapy;
• • Other circumstances that might affect participation (e.g., severe medical disorder, relocation).