Memory rescripting in major depressive disorder

ABSTRACT We applied two sessions of memory rescripting in routine cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) practice for MDD and measured its effectiveness. We also examined the content of intrusive memories and rescripted memories. Sixteen patients with MDD were asked to identify intrusive memories and rate their vividness, distress, interference with daily life, and uncontrollability before and after memory rescripting. As a result, memory rescripting significantly reduced the intrusive memory index. With one exception, memory rescripting created an image containing compassionate imagery, mastery imagery, or both elements. These results suggest that two sessions of memory rescripting could be incorporated into traditional CBT to improve distress caused by intrusive memories experienced by patients with MDD.