The use of rescripting imagery for people with psychosis who hear voices

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Image rescripting can be helpful in reducing the distress associated with intrusive images or memories across a range of disorders. Existing studies using imagery rescripting with people with psychosis have not included people who hear voices.AIMS: This study aimed to explore the use of image rescripting with people with psychosis who have intrusive images or memories and hear voices. <br />METHOD: This study used a one-off image rescripting session, using an A-B design with four participants with psychosis who were attending adult mental health community services. <br />RESULTS: Clinically significant reductions in distress, negative affect and reduced conviction in the beliefs associated with the imagery were reported at 1-week follow-up and maintained for three of the four participants at 1-month follow-up. <br />CONCLUSIONS: The study offers early indications that image rescripting can be used as a treatment approach for people with psychosis. Exploring visual imagery and rescripting visual memories where appropriate may be a useful extension of cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp). <br />Ison, RebeccaMedoro, Luigi <br />Keen, Nadine <br />Kuipers, Elizabeth <br />