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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Study protocol

Memory Flexibility training (MemFlex) to reduce depressive symptomatology in individuals with major depressive disorder: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Authors: Caitlin Hitchcock, Emily Hammond, Catrin Rees, Inderpal Panesar, Peter Watson, Aliza Werner-Seidler, Tim Dalgleish

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with chronic biases in the allocation of attention and recollection of personal memories. Impaired flexibility in attention and autobiographical memory retrieval is seen to both maintain current symptoms and predict future depression. Development of innovative interventions to reduce maladaptive cognitive patterns and improve cognitive flexibility in the domain of memory may therefore advance current treatment approaches for depression. Memory specificity training and cognitive bias modification techniques have both shown some promise in improving cognitive flexibility. Here we outline plans for a trial of an innovative memory flexibility training programme, MemFlex, which advances current training techniques with the aim of improving flexibility of autobiographical memory retrieval. This trial seeks to estimate the efficacy of MemFlex, provide data on feasibility, and begin to explore mechanisms of change.

Methods/design

We plan a single-blind, randomised, controlled, patient-level trial in which 50 individuals with MDD will complete either psychoeducation (n = 25) or MemFlex (n = 25). After completing pre-treatment measures and an orientation session, participants complete eight workbook-based sessions at home. Participants will then be assessed at post-treatment and at 3 month follow-up. The co-primary outcomes are depressive symptoms and diagnostic status at 3 month follow-up. The secondary outcomes are memory flexibility at post-treatment and number of depression free days at 3 month follow-up. Other process outcomes and mediators of any treatment effects will also be explored.

Discussion

This trial will establish the efficacy of MemFlex in improving memory flexibility, and reducing depressive symptoms. Any effects on process measures related to relapse may also indicate whether MemFlex may be helpful in reducing vulnerability to future depressive episodes. The low-intensity and workbook-based format of the programme may improve access to psychological therapies, and, if encouraging, the results of this study will provide a platform for later-phase trials.

Trial registration

NCT02371291 (ClinicalTrials.gov), registered 9 February 2015.

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Title: Memory Flexibility training (MemFlex) to reduce depressive symptomatology in individuals with major depressive disorder: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Caitlin Hitchcock
Emily Hammond
Catrin Rees
Inderpal Panesar
Peter Watson
Aliza Werner-Seidler
Tim Dalgleish
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-015-1029-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Memory Flexibility training (MemFlex) to reduce depressive symptomatology in individuals with major depressive disorder: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods/design

Discussion

Trial registration

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