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Hallford DJ, Austin DW, Takano K, Yeow JJ, Rusanov D, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Raes F. Improving usual care outcomes in major depression in youth by targeting memory specificity: A randomized controlled trial of adjunct computerized memory specificity training (c-MeST). J Affect Disord 2024; 358:500-512. [PMID: 38663556 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extending on previous findings that computerized Memory Specificity Training (c-MeST) improves memory specificity and depressive symptoms in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults, this study aimed to assess the effects of c-MeST in youth with MDD on memory specificity and depression in addition to other treatment. METHODS Participants aged 15-25 (N = 359, 76 % female; M age = 19.2, SD = 3.1), receiving predominantly psychological therapy or counseling (85 %) and/or antidepressants (52 %) were randomized to usual care and c-MeST or usual care. Cognitive and clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and at one, three, and six-month follow-ups. RESULTS The usual care and c-MeST group reported higher memory specificity at one-month (d = 0.42, p = .022), but not at three or six months (d's < 0.15, p's > 0.05). The rate of MDE was numerically lower in the c-MeST group at each follow-up time-point, but group was not a statistically significant predictor at one month (64 % usual care and c-MeST vs. 68 % usual care, OR = 0.81, p = .606), three months (67 % usual care and c-MeST vs. 72 % usual care, OR = 0.64, p = .327) or six months (55 % usual care and c-MeST vs. 68 % usual care, OR = 0.56, p = .266). The usual care and c-MeST group did report lower depressive symptoms at one month (d = 0.42, p = .023) and six-months (d = 0.84, p = .001), but not three-months (d = 0.13, p > .05). CONCLUSIONS c-MeST may reduce symptoms in youth with MDD when provided alongside other treatments. However, there are significant limitations to this inference, including high attrition in the study and a need for more data on the acceptability of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- David John Hallford
- School of Psychology, 1 Gheringhap Street, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - David W Austin
- School of Psychology, 1 Gheringhap Street, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Keisuke Takano
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Leopoldstr. 13, Munich, Germany
| | - Joesph J Yeow
- School of Psychology, 1 Gheringhap Street, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Danielle Rusanov
- School of Psychology, 1 Gheringhap Street, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- School of Psychology, 1 Gheringhap Street, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Filip Raes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, Box 3712, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Barry TJ, Hallford DJ. Transdiagnostic and transtherapeutic strategies for optimising autobiographical memory. Behav Res Ther 2024; 180:104575. [PMID: 38852230 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2024.104575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Our memories for past personally experienced autobiographical events play an important role in therapy, irrespective of presenting issue, diagnoses or therapeutic modality. Here, we summarise evidence for how autobiographical memory abilities can influence our mental health and the relevance of this for the treatment of mental health problems. We then guide the reader through principles and strategies for optimising autobiographical memory within treatment. We ground these recommendations within research for stand-alone interventions for improving autobiographical memory and from studies of how to support the formation and retrieval of therapeutic memories. Options are given for clinicians to guide clients in improving retrieval of autobiographical memories within treatment, for improving autobiographical memory for the therapeutic experience itself, and for creating improvements in autobiographical memory that endure post-treatment. We also provide worksheets for clinicians to use within treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Barry
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
| | - D J Hallford
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
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Belmans E, De Vuyst HJ, Takano K, Raes F. Reducing the stickiness of negative memory retrieval through positive memory training in adolescents. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2023; 81:101881. [PMID: 37348168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2023.101881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Individuals at risk for depression exhibit a decreased ability to disengage from negative memory retrieval during times of mental distress, partly because they have difficulty retrieving positive memories to repair sad mood. In this study, we tested whether this persistent tendency for negative memory retrieval could be reduced in adolescents through repeated practice to retrieve positive autobiographical memories, namely Positive Memory Specificity Training (PMST). Further, we examined the impact of this intervention on secondary outcomes, including depressive symptoms, emotion regulation strategies, and fear of positive emotions. METHODS Adolescents (n = 68) between 16 and 18 years old were randomly allocated to either PMST or bogus control training. Persistent negative memory retrieval was assessed following the training using a behavioral decision-making task (Emotional Reversal Learning Task). Additionally, participants completed self-report measurements (e.g., depressive symptoms) before and two weeks after the training. RESULTS We found preliminary supportive evidence for a significant training effect such that adolescents following PMST showed less persistence in negative memory retrieval compared to those in the control group. Only for anhedonia a significant training effect was found, indicating a possible adverse effect of the intervention. LIMITATIONS The primary outcome was assessed only at post-intervention to prevent a potential learning effect due to repeated measurements. We cannot exclude the possibility that baseline individual differences contaminated our results. To examine possible adverse effects of PMST, larger sample are needed. CONCLUSIONS PMST may help to reduce persistent negative memory retrieval in adolescents. Recommendations for future studies are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Belmans
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Child & Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Hendrik-Jan De Vuyst
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Neuromodulation Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Tervuursevest 101, Leuven 3001, Belgium.
| | - Keisuke Takano
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, LMU Munich, Leopoldstraße 13, Munich, Germany; Human Informatics and Interaction Research Institute (HIIRI), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8560, Japan.
| | - Filip Raes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Child & Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Hallford DJ, Rusanov D, Yeow JJE, Austin DW, D’Argembeau A, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Raes F. Reducing Anhedonia in Major Depressive Disorder with Future Event Specificity Training (FEST): A Randomized Controlled Trial. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-022-10330-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Improving future thinking, such as characteristics of specificity, detail, and use of mental imagery, may be one means to reduce anhedonia, particularly in a Major Depressive Episode (MDE) in which future thinking is impaired. The current study aimed to test this using a validated program, Future Event Specificity Training (FEST).
Methods
Participants (N = 177; 80.8% women; M age = 43.7, SD = 11.8) with a current depressive episode with anhedonia and high symptom severity were randomized to FEST or no FEST. Future thinking, anhedonia-related variables, and other clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline, one- and three-month follow-up.
Results
Relative to the control group, FEST was associated with significantly improved future thinking characteristics, a reduced likelihood of anhedonia (35.1% vs. 61.1%, p = .015), improvements on other anhedonia-related variables such as anticipatory (d = 0.63, p = .004) and anticipated pleasure for future events (d = 0.77, p < .001), and desirable clinical outcomes such as less people meeting criteria for an MDE (37.8% vs. 64.8%, p = .011), higher behavioural activation (d = 0.71, p = .001) and improved global functioning (d = 0.52, p = .017). Changes in future thinking were found to mediate the effect of FEST on anhedonia.
Conclusion
The quality of future thinking can be enhanced in Major Depression, and this leads to a substantially reduced likelihood of anhedonia, other significant clinical effects, and functional gains.
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Brief inductions in episodic past or future thinking: effects on episodic detail and problem-solving. Cogn Process 2021; 23:15-25. [PMID: 34855053 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-021-01067-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Episodic specificity inductions, involving brief training in recollecting episodic details, have been shown to improve subsequent performance on tasks involving remembering the past, imagining the future and problem solving. The current study examined if specificity inductions targeting self-referential past or future episodic thinking would have dissociable effects on generating past and future episodic detail and problem solving. Sixty-three participants were randomised to either a past self-referential or future self-referential episodic induction. All participants also completed a control task. Participants randomised to the self-referential future thinking induction generated more episodic details on past and future narrative tasks compared to a control task, whereas participants randomised to a self-referential past thinking induction showed similar performance to the control task. When examining within-group performance of participants randomised to the past or future induction, we found some evidence of dissociable effects of inductions on narrative generation tasks, but not on problem solving outcomes. Our findings suggest that self-referential inductions may be useful for increasing episodic specificity, but that the temporal distance and direction of the induction matters. We discuss our results in the context of the potential clinical utility of this approach for populations vulnerable to autobiographical memory disruption.
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Barry TJ, Hallford DJ, Hitchcock C, Takano K, Raes F. The current state of memory Specificity Training (MeST) for emotional disorders. Curr Opin Psychol 2021; 41:28-33. [PMID: 33689992 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Memory Specificity Training (MeST) is an intervention developed from basic science that has found clinical utility. MeST uses cued recall exercises to target the difficulty that some people with emotional disorders have in recalling personally experienced events. MeST is simple enough to be delivered alongside traditional interventions or online by artificial intelligence. Currently, research indicates MeST's effects are immediate but short-lived, and there is limited research indicating its superiority over established interventions. Future investigations must establish the dosage and specific components of MeST that are necessary for clinically significant effects. Further, it must establish the secondary processes (e.g., problem-solving) that mediate between MeST-driven improvements in memory and symptoms. Similar interventions that build upon the idea of training autobiographical memory specificity are also emerging and warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom J Barry
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong; Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - David J Hallford
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia; School of Health and Life Sciences, Federation University, Mount Helen, Australia
| | - Caitlin Hitchcock
- Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Keisuke Takano
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Filip Raes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Hallford D, Austin D, Takano K, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Raes F. Computerized Memory Specificity Training (c-MeST) for major depression: A randomised controlled trial. Behav Res Ther 2021; 136:103783. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2020.103783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Farina FR, Greene CM. Examining the effects of memory specificity and perceptual load on susceptibility to misleading information. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca R. Farina
- School of Psychology University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience Trinity College Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Ciara M. Greene
- School of Psychology University College Dublin Dublin Ireland
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Hallford DJ, Carmichael AM, Austin DW, Takano K, Raes F, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M. A study protocol for a randomised trial of adjunct computerised memory specificity training (c-MeST) for major depression in youth: targeting cognitive mechanisms to enhance usual care outcomes in mental health settings. Trials 2020; 21:85. [PMID: 31937350 PMCID: PMC6961400 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-4036-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Youth depression is highly prevalent and is related to impairments in academic, social and behavioural functioning. Evidence-based treatments are available, but many young people do not respond or sufficiently recover with first-line options, and a significant proportion experience relapse. Consequently, there is clear scope to enhance intervention in this critical period of early-onset depression. Memory specificity training (MeST) is a low-intensity intervention for depression that targets reduced specificity when recalling memories of the past, a common cognitive vulnerability in depression. This randomised controlled trial will assess the efficacy of adding a computerised version of MeST (c-MeST) to usual care for youth depression. Methods/design Young people aged 15–25 years with a major depressive episode (MDE) will be recruited and randomised to have immediate access to the seven session online c-MeST program in addition to usual care, or to usual care and wait-list for c-MeST. The primary outcomes will be diagnostic status of an MDE and self-reported depressive symptoms assessed at baseline, 1-, 3- and 6-month intervals. Autobiographical memory specificity and other variables thought to contribute to the maintenance of reduced memory specificity and depression will be assessed as mediators of change. Discussion Online provision of c-MeST provides a simple, low-intensity option for targeting a cognitive vulnerability that predicts the persistence of depressive symptoms. If found to be efficacious as an adjunct to usual care for depressed youth, it could be suitable for broader roll-out, as c-MeST is highly accessible and implementation requires only minimal resources due to the online and automated nature of intervention. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12619000234112p. Registered on the 18 February 2019. All items from the WHO Trial Registration Data Set can be found within the protocol. Protocol version 1.0
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Hallford
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Melbourne, Victoria, 3220, Australia. .,School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Melbourne, Victoria, 3125, Australia.
| | - A M Carmichael
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Melbourne, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - D W Austin
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Melbourne, Victoria, 3220, Australia
| | - K Takano
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Leopoldstr. 131, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - F Raes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102, Box 3712, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Fuller-Tyszkiewicz
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Melbourne, Victoria, 3220, Australia
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Martens K, Takano K, Barry TJ, Holmes EA, Wyckaert S, Raes F. Remediating reduced memory specificity in bipolar disorder: A case study using a Computerized Memory Specificity Training. Brain Behav 2019; 9:e01468. [PMID: 31747124 PMCID: PMC6908894 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Reduced autobiographical memory specificity (rAMS) is a vulnerability factor found across unipolar depression (UD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder (BD). A group delivered psychological therapy training called Memory Specificity Training (MeST) remediates rAMS in UD and PTSD, with additional downstream effects on related psychological processes and symptoms. Its impact in BD is unknown. In this case study, we examined the impact of a computerized version of MeST (c-MeST) on improving AMS and related symptoms and processes in participant with rapid cycling type I BD. METHOD An experimental case study with an ABA design was used. During baseline (14 days, Phase A), the training phase (nine sessions across 17 days, Phase B), and a 1-month follow-up (Phase A), memory specificity, depressive symptoms, and related processes and symptoms were repeatedly measured. RESULTS Memory specificity increased significantly after the participant completed c-MeST. Session-to-session scores indicated that AMS improved most from the in-person baseline assessment to the first online session. All other measures of processes and symptoms deteriorated during the training phase but regressed to baseline during follow-up. CONCLUSION Memory specificity was improved as indicated by increased AMS from pre-intervention measurement to 1-month follow-up. Other improvements in symptoms were not observed. Rather, some related maladaptive psychological processes and symptoms worsened during the training phase and regressed to baseline during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Martens
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational SciencesKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | | | - Tom J. Barry
- Department of PsychologyThe University of Hong KongHong KongHong Kong
- Department of PsychologyThe Institute of PsychiatryKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Sabine Wyckaert
- University Psychiatric Center KU Leuven, Campus KortenbergKortenbergBelgium
| | - Filip Raes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational SciencesKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
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Martens K, Barry TJ, Takano K, Onghena P, Raes F. Efficacy of online Memory Specificity Training in adults with a history of depression, using a multiple baseline across participants design. Internet Interv 2019; 18:100259. [PMID: 31890612 PMCID: PMC6926331 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2019.100259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Memory Specificity Training (MeST), a group training protocol, is effective in improving autobiographical memory specificity (AMS), and in so doing, reducing emotional disorder symptoms amongst clinical groups. We examined MeST's effectiveness when the core component (memory specificity trials) is offered online and individually (c-MeST). METHODS A multiple-baseline across-participants design with a randomization-to-baseline length (14 to 33 days) was used. Participants were twenty adults (16 female; M age = 50, SD = 12) experiencing reduced AMS, at least one lifetime depressive episode and who currently reported at least minimal depressive symptoms. During baseline, the training phase (nine sessions across 17 days) and a three-month follow-up assessment, AMS, depressive symptoms and related processes were measured. RESULTS AMS improved significantly by three months follow-up. Session-to-session scores indicated that AMS improved most from baseline to the first online session, with no further improvement thereafter. In contrast to studies with clinical participants, no significant change in symptoms or secondary processes such as rumination was found. CONCLUSIONS Translating MeST into an online, individual version is a feasible, low-cost intervention for reduced AMS. Future research should examine c-MeST's potential for preventing increases in symptoms in at-risk samples with longer follow-ups as well as its potential for reducing symptoms in clinical groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Martens
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom J. Barry
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Psychology, The Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Keisuke Takano
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick Onghena
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Filip Raes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Identifying the Most Effective Strategies for Improving Autobiographical Memory Specificity and Its Implications for Mental Health Problems: A Meta-analysis. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-019-10061-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Martens K, Takano K, Barry TJ, Goedleven J, Van den Meutter L, Raes F. Remediating Reduced Autobiographical Memory in Healthy Older Adults With Computerized Memory Specificity Training (c-MeST): An Observational Before-After Study. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e13333. [PMID: 31094362 PMCID: PMC6538238 DOI: 10.2196/13333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ability to retrieve specific autobiographical memories decreases with cognitive aging. This decline is clinically relevant due to its association with impairments in problem solving, daily functioning, and depression. A therapist-delivered group training protocol, Memory Specificity Training (MeST), has been shown to enhance the retrieval of specific memories while ameliorating the impairments and negative outcomes associated with reduced specificity. The therapist-delivered nature of this intervention means it is relatively expensive to deliver and difficult for people with mobility impairments, such as older people, to receive. Objective The objective of this study was to test if a novel, Web-based computerized version of a group training protocol called Memory Specificity Training, has the potential to increase autobiographical memory specificity and impact associated secondary psychological processes. Methods A total of 21 participants (13 female; mean age 67.05, SD 6.55) who experienced a deficit in retrieving specific autobiographical memory were trained with c-MeST. We assessed memory specificity at preintervention and postintervention, as well as secondary processes such as depressive symptoms, rumination, and problem-solving skills. Results Memory specificity increased significantly after participants completed c-MeST (r=.57). Session-to-session scores indicated that autobiographical memory specificity improved most from the online baseline assessment to the first Web-based session. Symptoms or secondary processes such as problem-solving skills did not change significantly. Conclusions A Web-based automated individual version of MeST is a feasible, low-cost intervention for reduced memory specificity in healthy older adults. Future studies should clarify the preventive impact of c-MeST in other at-risk sample populations with longer follow-up times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Martens
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Keisuke Takano
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tom J Barry
- Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Psychology, The Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jolien Goedleven
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Filip Raes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Barry TJ, Sze WY, Raes F. A meta-analysis and systematic review of Memory Specificity Training (MeST) in the treatment of emotional disorders. Behav Res Ther 2019; 116:36-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Hallford DJ, Austin DW, Raes F, Takano K. Computerised memory specificity training (c-MeST) for the treatment of major depression: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e024508. [PMID: 30819707 PMCID: PMC6398714 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Major depression is a prevalent and debilitating disorder, but many sufferers do not receive support or respond to current treatments. The development of easily accessible and low-intensity treatments that have clear cognitive mechanisms of change is indicated. Memory specificity training (MeST) is an intervention for depression that targets deficits in recalling detailed memories of past experiences through repeated practice of autobiographical memory retrieval. This randomised controlled trial will assess the efficacy of an online, computerised version of MeST (c-MeST). METHODS AND ANALYSIS Adults aged 18 and over with a current major depressive episode (MDE) will be recruited and randomised to have access to the seven session, online c-MeST programme for 2 weeks, or to a wait-list control group. The primary outcomes will be diagnostic status of MDE and self-reported depressive symptoms at postintervention. One-month and three-month follow-ups will be collected. Increases in autobiographical memory specificity will be assessed as a mediator of change, as well as other variables thought to contribute to reduced memory specificity, such as rumination and cognitive avoidance. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval has been granted by the Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee to conduct the study (ID: 2017_168). The findings will be disseminated through scholarly publications and workshops and will inform future trials, such as with an active comparator or as an adjunct treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12618000257268; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Hallford
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Austin
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Filip Raes
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Vlaanderen, Belgium
| | - Keisuke Takano
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
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Takano K, Hallford DJ, Vanderveren E, Austin DW, Raes F. The computerized scoring algorithm for the autobiographical memory test: updates and extensions for analyzing memories of English-speaking adults. Memory 2018; 27:306-313. [PMID: 30081736 DOI: 10.1080/09658211.2018.1507042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT) has been central in psychopathological studies of memory dysfunctions, as reduced memory specificity or overgeneralised autobiographical memory has been recognised as a hallmark vulnerability for depression. In the AMT, participants are asked to generate specific memories in response to emotional cue words, and their responses are scored by human experts. Because the manual coding takes some time, particularly when analysing a large dataset, recent studies have proposed computerised scoring algorithms. These algorithms have been shown to reliably discriminate between specific and non-specific memories of English-speaking children and Dutch- and Japanese-speaking adults. The key limitation is that the algorithm is not developed for English-speaking adult memories, which may cover a wider range of vocabulary that the existing algorithm for English-speaking child memories cannot process correctly. In the present study, we trained a new support vector machine to score memories of English-speaking adults. In a performance test (predicting memory specificity against human expert coding), the adult-memory algorithm outperformed the child-memory variant. In another independent performance test, the adult-memory algorithm showed robust performances to score memories that were generated in response to a different set of cues. These results suggest that the adult-memory algorithm reliably scores memory specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Takano
- a Division of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology , Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich , Munich , Germany
| | - David J Hallford
- b School of Psychology , Deakin University , Geelong , Australia
| | - Elien Vanderveren
- c Center for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology , University of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - David W Austin
- b School of Psychology , Deakin University , Geelong , Australia
| | - Filip Raes
- c Center for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology , University of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
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