Intrusive autobiographical memories are a prominent feature of depression implicated in the onset and course of the disorder. Current cognitive behavioural treatment of depression does not specify techniques to address intrusive memories. Imagery rescripting has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of trauma-related intrusive memories. This paper illustrates the application of imagery rescripting as a stand-alone treatment for two patients experiencing a current major depressive episode. The two cases are described in detail and follow-up data are reported. Both patients experienced clinically significant and reliable change in their depression scores and no longer met criteria for a current major depressive episode at post-assessment, with gains maintained at 3-month follow-up. Implications are discussed for the theoretical mechanisms of change of this intervention as well as methods to overcome common treatment obstacles that arise in depression.
Key learning aims(1) To learn how intrusive autobiographical memories are implicated in the onset and maintenance of depression.
(2) To learn the limitations that may present clinically when applying verbal-linguistic techniques such as cognitive restructuring to intrusive memories.
(3) To learn when imagery rescripting may be required to treat intrusive memories and how to implement this technique to overcome traditional treatment obstacles in depression.
