A cluster randomized controlled platform trial comparing group MEmory specificity training (MEST) to group psychoeducation and supportive counselling (PSC) in the treatment of recurrent depression

• Published in: Behaviour research and therapy 2018-06, Vol.105, p.1-9
• Main Authors: Werner-Seidler, Aliza, Hitchcock, Caitlin, Bevan, Anna, McKinnon, Anna, Gillard, Julia, Dahm, Theresa, Chadwick, Isobel, Panesar, Inderpal, Breakwell, Lauren, Mueller, Viola, Rodrigues, Evangeline, Rees, Catrin, Gormley, Siobhan, Schweizer, Susanne, Watson, Peter, Raes, Filip, Jobson, Laura, Dalgleish, Tim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Autobiographical memory; Behavior disorders; Clinical outcomes; Clinical psychology; Clinical trials; Cognition; Cognitive ability; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - methods; Counseling; Depression; Depressive Disorder, Major - psychology; Depressive Disorder, Major - therapy; Depressive personality disorders; Efficacy; Feasibility; Female; Group counseling; Humans; Male; Memories; Memory; Memory specificity training; Mental depression; Mental disorders; Middle Aged; Neuropsychological Tests; Psychoeducational treatment; Recurrence; Recurrent; Single-Blind Method; Symptoms; Training; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0005-7967; 1873-622X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2018.03.004

Impaired ability to recall specific autobiographical memories is characteristic of depression, which when reversed, may have therapeutic benefits. This cluster-randomized controlled pilot trial investigated efficacy and aspects of acceptability, and feasibility of MEmory Specificity Training (MEST) relative to Psychoeducation and Supportive Counselling (PSC) for Major Depressive Disorder (N = 62). A key aim of this study was to determine a range of effect size estimates to inform a later phase trial. Assessments were completed at baseline, post-treatment and 3-month follow-up. The cognitive process outcome was memory specificity. The primary clinical outcome was symptoms on the Beck Depression Inventory-II at 3-month follow-up. The MEST group demonstrated greater improvement in memory specificity relative to PSC at post-intervention (d = 0.88) and follow-up (d = 0.74), relative to PSC. Both groups experienced a reduction in depressive symptoms at 3-month follow-up (d = 0.67). However, there was no support for a greater improvement in depressive symptoms at 3 months following MEST relative to PSC (d = −0.04). Although MEST generated changes on memory specificity and improved depressive symptoms, results provide no indication that MEST is superior to PSC in the resolution of self-reported depressive symptoms. Implications for later-phase definitive trials of MEST are discussed. •Memory specificity training (MEST) was compared to supportive counselling.•MEST produced large effects on memory specificity and depressive symptoms.•There was no between-group difference in depressive outcomes at post or follow-up.