A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial of Memory Specificity Training (MEST) for Depression

A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial of Memory Specificity Training (MEST) for Depression

Depression involves the tendency to recall overgeneral personal memories, a phenomenon which has been linked to numerous adverse psychological outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a group-based Memory Specificity Training (MEST) programme improves outcomes in depression, and how this compares to an education and support control group. The primary aim is to examine whether MEST, which involves repeated practice retrieving specific autobiographical memories reduces depressive symptoms immediately post-treatment, and whether this is maintained 3 months after treatment. The secondary objective of this trial is to examine the role of hypothesised cognitive processes (ie., rumination, executive control, cognitive avoidance) which may underlie improvements in depression and memory.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Principal diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder
• History of more than one previous depressive episode
• Current diagnosis of a Major Depressive Episode
• Depressive symptoms rated in the mild-severe range (> 13 on the BDI-II)
• Memory specificity < .70 (as assessed on the AMT)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Head trauma
• Organic brain damage
• Secondary diagnosis of another affective disorder
• Psychosis
• Current drug or alcohol abuse or dependence
• A diagnosed Axis II disorder