Treatment for Rehabilitation of Action Cognition in Depression

The present research study investigates the effects of a brief dynamic imagery intervention added to a short behavioral activation treatment on the treatment acceptability, feasibility, and primary efficacy for individuals with depression. Behavioral activation treatment is a standard treatment for depression. To enhance behavioral activation treatment acceptance and efficacy, a dynamic imagery intervention was added to augment the motor component of imagery and memories. Two types of treatment were compared: (1) behavioral activation treatment and (2) behavioral activation treatment plus dynamic imagery. The behavioral activation treatment is a short 8-session intervention based on a dynamic imagery procedure for enhancing the recruitment of motor activation in cognitive processing. 110 participants will be randomized into two groups. Half will be randomized to standard behavioral activation treatment and a half to behavioral activation treatment plus imagery treatment. Participants complete the assessment before, during (weekly), and after treatment. Follow-up will be measured at 3 months after the end of the treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:Fluent in written and spoken RomanianReporting clinically significant depressive symptoms above cut-off on depression measures and by structured clinical interviewExclusion Criteria:Elevated risk of suicide/Suicide intent and plansCurrent substance use disorderCurrent or previous manic/hypomanic episodesCurrent psychotic disorderCurrent diagnosis of dementia/major neurocognitive disorderCurrently receiving psychological therapy