Improving treatment for major depressive disorder by addressing negative mental imagery

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

This study is testing a new approach that helps people with major depressive disorder change negative mental images to see if it can improve their symptoms when other treatments haven't worked well.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Amsterdam, North Holland)
• Trial ID: NCT06454695 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who often do not respond adequately to conventional treatments. It aims to explore the effectiveness of a novel intervention called future-oriented imagery rescripting, which targets distressing negative mental images that may contribute to depression. The pilot study will assess the acceptability and feasibility of this intervention, as well as estimate its potential impact on reducing depressive symptoms. The findings will inform the design of a larger randomized controlled trial.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who meet DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder and experience distressing negative future-oriented mental images.

Not a fit: Patients with current or a history of psychotic or bipolar disorders, or those undergoing similar therapies, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new therapeutic option for patients with major depressive disorder who struggle with negative mental imagery.

How similar studies have performed: Initial studies targeting mental imagery in depression have shown promise, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

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).

Where this trial is running

Amsterdam, North Holland

• Amsterdam UMC (location AMC) — Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Evi-Anne van Dis, PhD

Conditions Major Depressive Disorder; Mental Imagery; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Imagery rescripting; Prospective negative mental images; Depression