Memory Flexibility Training for Depression

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Memory Flexibility Training to Psychoeducation in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder

Our collection of memories for personal experiences plays an important role in shaping our sense of who we are as people. These memories, termed autobiographical memories, can also be helpful in social situations, for sharing the details of our experiences with other people, reminiscing about pleasant times and solving problems by remembering what has and hasn't worked in the past. Different types of autobiographical memory are helpful to us depending on the particular situation the investigators are in at the time. Recent research has shown that experiencing depressed mood can affect how we relate to our autobiographical memories, so that instead of providing a rich source of personal information in a helpful and flexible way, the types of memories that come to mind are more narrowly focused on difficult or negative experiences. This can cause low mood to persist over time.

The purpose of this study is to test a newly-developed therapeutic training package for depressed mood (MemFlex), designed to encourage helpful and flexible ways of relating to autobiographical memories. The MemFlex programme consists of a one-to-one orientation session with the researcher to introduce the training package, followed by a workbook that is completed at home.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Currently experiencing Major Depressive Episode, indexed on the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV (SCID; First et al., 1996).
• Score of 13 or above on the Beck Depression Inventory (Beck et al., 1996)

Exclusion Criteria:

• SCID assessment indicates they are experiencing another mood disorder, psychosis, current alcohol or substance dependence/abuse.
• Diagnosed Axis II disorder or brain injury (assessed by participant report)