Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Differential Efficacy of Guided Imagery Psychotherapy: Non-Inferiority Trial and Exploration of Differential Indication

This research is comparing two different types of talking therapy (psychotherapy) for people with emotional difficulties such as depression and anxiety. One therapy is a well-known approach called Unified Psychodynamic Protocol (UPP-EMO), and the other is a special type called Guided Imagery Psychotherapy (GIP-EMO). GIP involves using imagination and imagery during sessions. The main goals are to find out if GIP is just as good as UPP-EMO in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms over a year, and also to explore if GIP might be particularly helpful for a specific group of patients. Participants will have regular therapy sessions, and their progress will be checked over time.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Kassel

Enrolment target

180

Start

15 Feb 2021

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2029

Emotional Disorders

What is this study about?

This study is investigating approaches to help people who are struggling with emotional difficulties, such as depression and anxiety. It focuses on two kinds of talking therapy, also known as psychotherapy. One is a commonly used type of psychodynamic therapy, and the other is a more specific method called Guided Imagery Psychotherapy (GIP-EMO).

GIP-EMO involves you working with a therapist to imagine different scenes, like a mountain or a house. You describe what you imagine, how it feels, and let the image develop naturally. The therapist helps guide you through this process and encourages you to explore your feelings and experiences related to these images. Between sessions, you'll be asked to draw what you imagined. In other sessions, you and your therapist will talk about these images and how they connect to your emotional difficulties.

The study has two main questions: Firstly, is GIP-EMO as effective as the standard psychodynamic therapy (UPP-EMO) in helping people feel better from anxiety and depression after a year? Secondly, the researchers want to see if GIP-EMO might be especially beneficial for certain individuals within the study group. By comparing these two therapies, the study hopes to learn more about which type of therapy works best for different people experiencing emotional disorders.

Key takeaways

Compares two types of talking therapy for emotional problems.
One therapy uses guided imagination and imagery.
Aims to see if the imagery therapy is as good as a standard one.
Also exploring if the imagery therapy works better for some people.
Participation involves regular face-to-face therapy sessions.
Results will be checked 12 months after treatment starts.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would generally need to be between 18 and 70 years old and have been diagnosed with depression, an anxiety disorder, or a physical symptom disorder that also includes depression or anxiety. You'd also need to be able to understand German well enough for the questionnaires.

There are certain situations that would mean you couldn't take part. This includes if you're currently having thoughts of harming yourself, or if you have certain other mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Conditions like severe neurological problems, drug dependence, or other ongoing psychological treatments would also prevent participation.

It's important to note that if your depression or anxiety is caused by a physical illness or medication, or if you're already taking specific psychotropic medications other than antidepressants, you wouldn't be able to join. The aim is to ensure the study is looking at the effects of the therapies themselves, without other major contributing factors.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 70 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or a physical symptom disorder with depression/anxiety?
Do you have good enough German language skills for questionnaires?
Are you currently free from severe mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder?
Are you not currently experiencing acute thoughts of harming yourself?
Are you not receiving other psychological treatments at the same time?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you would receive regular talking therapy sessions – either weekly, twice a week, or every two weeks. These sessions will be face-to-face with a therapist. The specific therapy you receive (either Guided Imagery Psychotherapy or the Unified Psychodynamic Protocol) would be decided by chance, like flipping a coin. Your emotional well-being, especially your anxiety and depression levels, will be checked using questionnaires at the start of the study and then again 12 months after your treatment begins. The total duration of your active participation, including sessions and follow-up checks, would generally involve therapy over several months, with a final check-up a year after therapy starts.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study could potentially offer you access to professional talking therapy, which might help improve your emotional well-being and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. As with any therapy, there's always a small chance that talking about difficult feelings could sometimes feel challenging or temporarily increase distress. The researchers have taken steps to minimise risks and ensure your safety. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Kassel
Verified postcode
Kassel, Germany

Common questions

What kind of therapy is 'Guided Imagery Psychotherapy'?

It's a type of talking therapy where you use your imagination to create images during sessions, which you then explore with your therapist.

Will I get to choose which therapy I receive?

No, the therapy you get will be decided by chance, like drawing straws. This helps the researchers compare them fairly.

How long will the therapy sessions last?

The information doesn't specify the exact length of each session, but they will be weekly, biweekly, or twice a week.

What happens after the therapy ends?

Your anxiety and depression levels will be checked again 12 months after the therapy begins to see how you're doing long-term.

Is this study safe?

The researchers have designed the study with your safety in mind, and you can leave the study at any time if you wish.