iMAgery focused psychological therapy for persecutory delusions in PSychosis (iMAPS): a multiple baseline experimental case series.

BACKGROUND

Many people with psychosis experience persecutory delusions and report negative schematic beliefs and intrusive mental images which may be maintaining factors for psychotic symptoms.

AIMS

This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a new psychological therapy targeting schemas and images (iMAPS therapy).

METHOD

The study used a randomised multiple baseline design. Participants with first episode psychosis were randomised using a multiple baseline design with 2-5 assessments. Six sessions of therapy, consisting of a combination of imagery techniques and imagery rescripting techniques, was used. In each session, participants completed a Mental Imagery in Psychosis Questionnaire (MIPQ) and imagery interview. Mood and delusional beliefs (PSYRATS) were also measured at each session.

RESULTS

Five participants with first episode psychosis completed the baseline visits and attended all therapy sessions. One participant declined the final assessment. Results demonstrated significant reductions in negative schematic beliefs, delusions, imagery distress and other measures of schema (YSQ, SMI). Although multiple baseline randomisation strengthens the study, it lacked a control arm and blind assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

iMAPS appears a feasible and acceptable treatment for psychosis, and further evaluation is indicated.