People who are prone to depression often suffer from negative thoughts, even when they are not in a depressive period. Sometimes it’s really about worrying, where they repeatedly and automatically think negatively about themselves, their future and about the world. The researchers at the UMCG hope with mindfulness and positive fantasizing to turn these negative thoughts into positive thoughts, so that they have a smaller chance of relapse of the depression.
How do the techniques work?
Mindfulness is about accepting and letting go of (negative) thoughts and fantasizing should stimulate positive thinking. Therapies that include these forms of therapy can reduce the risk of a depression relapse, according to previous research. Researchers now want to use various measuring instruments to find out how these techniques work and which technique is most suitable for whom.
Depressed and non-depressed participants
Within the study, participants report on their thoughts and feelings at home. The UMCG is still looking for participants: men and women between the ages of 18 and 60, who have had two or more depressive episodes in the past ten years, but are not currently taking antidepressants. The hospital is also looking for participants who have never had depression before.
By: National Care Guide