Brouwers Thomas C, de Jongh Ad, Matthijssen Suzy J M A
Altrecht Academic Anxiety Centre, Altrecht GGz, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
Front Psychol. 2021 Dec 23;12:741163. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.741163. eCollection 2021.
The Flash technique is a novel intervention aimed at rapidly decreasing the subjective disturbance of an aversive memory, thereby serving as a potential way of treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The protocol is used to stimulate clients to engage in positive imagery while being discouraged to actively recollect the targeted disturbing memory. Previous research into the Flash technique's efficacy shows promising results, yet controlled studies are lacking. To test the efficacy of the Flash technique, it was compared to an abbreviated eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy protocol in a controlled experimental setting. We hypothesized that the Flash technique would lead to a larger decrease in the emotionality and vividness of an aversive autobiographical memory when compared to EMDR therapy. Our second hypothesis was that the procedure of the Flash technique would be evaluated more pleasant by its receiver. The sample consisted of 60 non-clinical participants (mean age = 25.28 years; 73.33% female) who were able to recall an aversive autobiographical memory. They were randomized to either the Flash technique or the EMDR therapy condition. Measurements consisted of emotionality and vividness-ratings pre and post intervention, and at 1-week follow-up. Bayesian analyses showed no differences between Flash and EMDR to the extent to which the emotionality and vividness of their memory was reduced. Afterward, the Flash technique was rated more pleasant than EMDR. The results support the claim that the Flash technique might be used as a brief and efficacious intervention for individuals suffering from disturbing memories. Although the results suggest that its efficacy does not differ from EMDR, the Flash technique seems to yield similar outcomes in a more pleasant way. Further research into its working mechanisms and in a clinical sample is required.
快速记忆激活疗法（Flash技术）是一种新型干预方法，旨在迅速减少厌恶记忆的主观干扰，从而成为治疗创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）的一种潜在方法。该方案用于刺激来访者进行积极的想象，同时不鼓励他们主动回忆目标干扰记忆。先前对快速记忆激活疗法疗效的研究显示出有希望的结果，但缺乏对照研究。为了测试快速记忆激活疗法的疗效，在对照实验环境中将其与简化的眼动脱敏再处理（EMDR）治疗方案进行了比较。我们假设，与EMDR治疗相比，快速记忆激活疗法将使厌恶自传体记忆的情绪性和生动性有更大程度的降低。我们的第二个假设是，快速记忆激活疗法的接受者会对该程序评价更高。样本包括60名非临床参与者（平均年龄 = 25.28岁；73.33%为女性），他们能够回忆起厌恶自传体记忆。他们被随机分配到快速记忆激活疗法组或EMDR治疗组。测量包括干预前后以及1周随访时的情绪性和生动性评分。贝叶斯分析表明，在降低记忆的情绪性和生动性方面，快速记忆激活疗法和EMDR之间没有差异。之后，快速记忆激活疗法比EMDR的评价更高。结果支持了这样的观点，即快速记忆激活疗法可能作为一种简短且有效的干预方法用于患有干扰性记忆的个体。虽然结果表明其疗效与EMDR没有差异，但快速记忆激活疗法似乎能以更令人愉悦的方式产生类似的效果最终。需要对其作用机制以及在临床样本中进行进一步研究。
