The published version of this paper is available through open access at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2018.08.008. Successful navigation within the autobiographical memory store is integral to daily cognition. Impairment in the flexibility of memory retrieval processes can thereby have a detrimental impact on mental health. This randomised controlled phase II trial (N=60) evaluated the potential of a novel, autobiographical memory-based intervention drawn from basic science – an autobiographical Memory Flexibility (MemFlex) training programme – which sought to ameliorate memory difficulties and improve symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder. MemFlex was compared to Psychoeducation (an evidence-based low-intensity intervention) to determine the likely range of effects on a primary cognitive target of memory flexibility at post-intervention, and co-primary clinical targets of self-reported depressive symptoms and depression diagnostic status at three month follow-up, in preparation for a later phase trial. Results demonstrated small-moderate effect sizes in favour of MemFlex for memory flexibility (d=0.34), self-reported depressive symptoms (d=0.24), and loss of depression diagnosis (OR=0.65), along with the secondary outcome of depression-free days (d=0.36). These results suggest that further development and definitive evaluation of MemFlex is warranted as an avenue to improving the low-intensity treatment of depression.
A randomized, controlled proof-of-concept trial evaluating durable effects of Memory Flexibility Training (MemFlex) on autobiographical memory distortions and on relapse of recurrent Major Depressive Disorder over 12 months
