Mindfulness Based Emotion Regulation Therapy in the Treatment of Depressive Rumination

Summary

In this study the investigators are examining the neuronal processes of a mindfulness based emotion regulation training for reducing depressive rumination. The research of depressive rumination helps in the developement of new therapies for depressive disorders.

Goal of this project is to have a look at the coherences between stress, mindfulness resources, depressive rumination and their neuronal correlates. Therefore the investigators are collecting the data of 48 patients with a depressive diagnosis in a randomized intervention-study with a treatment as usual (TAU) waiting-control-list versus an active intervention group. An additional 48 healthy control subjects are planned to be measured.

Conditions

• Depressive Disorder
• Depression
• Rumination

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Mindfulness based Emotion regulation therapy (MBERT) - Treatment as usual (TAU)

1. In each of 8 sessions (allocated over 4 weeks) the patient brings an (actual) topic that induces rumination. After identifying the underlying affect, the patients are instructed (1) to concentrate on it, (2) to accept and tolerate it (considering the personal situation and experiences), (3) to give it a new interpretation so the patient can look at it with a more generous view, and (4) to dissociate from it, so the patient can perceive it as one of many affects and as one that hasn't the power to influence one's thoughts and actions that much (as it does through rumination). These steps are gradually instructed and trained throughout 20 trials (à 40 seconds) in each session. After each trial there is room to talk about the trial, possible barriers and helpful strategies to overcome those. Between-sessions the patients are encouraged to train the strategies in their daily life and do some homework like a protocol of ruminative thoughts and meditation. 2. Waiting period with TAU.

OTHER

Treatment as usual (TAU) - Mindfulness based Emotion regulation therapy (MBERT)

1. Waiting period with TAU. 2. In each of 8 sessions (allocated over 4 weeks) the patient brings an (actual) topic that induces rumination. After identifying the underlying affect, the patients are instructed (1) to concentrate on it, (2) to accept and tolerate it (considering the personal situation and experiences), (3) to give it a new interpretation so the patient can look at it with a more generous view, and (4) to dissociate from it, so the patient can perceive it as one of many affects and as one that hasn't the power to influence one's thoughts and actions that much (as it does through rumination). These steps are gradually instructed and trained throughout 20 trials (à 40 seconds) in each session. After each trial there is room to talk about the trial, possible barriers and helpful strategies to overcome those. Between-sessions the patients are encouraged to train the strategies in their daily life and do some homework like a protocol of ruminative thoughts and meditation.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University Hospital Tuebingen

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Ann-Christine Ehlis, Dr. · submitter and head of the lab

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2020-07-01

Primary Completion

2021-06-30

Completion

2022-06-30

Countries

• Germany

Study Locations