A positive mental imagery intervention for suicidality in psychosis.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the use of a positive mental imagery intervention for targeting suicidal ideation in psychosis.
IRAS ID
316706
Contact name
Bill Sellwood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancaster University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
316706, IRAS ID
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 7 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
People with psychosis, experiencing hallucinations and delusional beliefs, are vulnerable to suicidal ideation.This pilot study aims to explore the acceptability and feasibility of a new talking therapy called the Broad-Minded Affective Coping (BMAC) intervention. The BMAC is a brief intervention, that is manualised and structured. Participants will be asked to focus on positive memories. This intervention may help individuals to reduce suicidal ideation.We aim to complete a single group pilot study of 5-10 individuals with experiences of psychosis and suicidal thoughts. The intervention will consist of six 1-hour individual therapy sessions delivered over a six week period.These sessions will include rapport building, positive mental imagery exercises, debriefing as well as reviewing progress and future planning. The positive mental imagery exercises consists of the therapist firstly implementing relaxation techniques and then guiding the participant through their positive memory of choice via engagement of the recalled senses (touch, taste, sight, smell and sound). Participants will then recall how they felt and will feedback. Between sessions practice will also be encouraged by therapist, and materials will be given to help participants engage in this. Suicidality of participants will be measured before intervention, after 6 weeks and at a 12 week follow up. Risk will firstly be assessed at baseline and in first session of the BMAC intervention. Risk will be continued to be monitored throughout the study.
This study aims to build upon preliminary evidence, that shows the promise of this method. No study to date has used this method as a stand-alone case-series (6 session) design in individuals with psychosis. Therefore, this study aims to help bridge the current gap of research in this area, with the hope of guiding future research/informing clinical trials.
Summary of Results
Purpose:
Suicide is a global issue and a leading cause of premature death in individuals with psychosis. There is a lack of brief interventions which target suicidality in this population. This study explored the acceptability and feasibility of a positive mental imagery intervention called the Broad-Minded Affective Coping Strategy in people with psychosis and suicidal thoughts. The study reflected on barriers and potential adaptations for future feasibility trials in this population group.Methods:
Participants with experiences of psychosis were recruited from community mental health teams. The positive mental imagery intervention consisted of six weekly individual therapy sessions administered by a trainee clinical psychologist. Therapy sessions explored positive memories, where participants engage with their senses to replay positive memories, which aimed to improve emotional regulation, reduce distress and decrease suicidality. Outcome data were collected at baseline, after six weeks, and at a 12-week follow-up.Results:
Three (target of 10) participants consented to participate and received the intervention. Two participants completed follow-up measures. These participants were highly satisfied with the intervention. However, recruitment barriers and low recruitment rates limited the ability to assess acceptability and feasibility comprehensively. Two serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported and independently reviewed, and judged to be unrelated to the research or intervention.Discussion:
The pilot study highlights the current difficulties in recruitment within this population group. The limitations included a small sample size and a lack of a control group. The lessons learned provide valuable insights to inform future feasibility studies. Research focusing on a larger-scale pilot study would help determine further acceptability and feasibility of this approach.REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/NW/0151
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion