A pilot randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of MEmory Specificity Training in improving symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder.
Poor autobiographical memory specificity is a cognitive marker of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an independent predictor of poor prognosis. This pilot randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of MEmory Specificity Training (MEST) (an intervention aimed at ameliorating specificity problems) on autobiographical memory recall and PTSD symptoms. Iranian combat veterans with PTSD were randomly assigned into the MEST (n = 12) or control (n = 12) group. At baseline, groups completed Farsi versions of the Autobiographical Memory Test and Impact of Event Scale-Revised. The intervention group then had four, weekly, group sessions of MEST. The control group had no additional contact. All measures were re-administered post-intervention and at three-month follow-up. The MEST group generated significantly more specific memories and had significantly fewer PTSD symptoms following training and at follow-up than the control group. Findings suggest MEST is a promising intervention for the treatment of PTSD.
Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran; Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: moradi@khu.ac.ir.
Ali Reza
AR
Moradi
Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
Shiva
S
Moshirpanahi
Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
Hadi
H
Parhon
Shahid Sadr Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
Jafar
J
Mirzaei
Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge, UK; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
Tim
T
Dalgleish
Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridge, UK; University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK. Electronic address: L.Jobson@uea.ac.uk.
Laura
L
Jobson
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D061212:Memory, Episodic; D011939:Mental Recall; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology
Autobiographical memory; Memory specificity training; Posttraumatic stress disorder