A groundbreaking therapy targeting distressing mental images for individuals with psychosis could revolutionize treatment for a condition costing England nearly £12 billion annually. Known as iMAPS, this imagery-focused therapy has shown promising results in early trials, offering hope to patients struggling with intrusive and often debilitating mental images.
Psychosis, which affects up to 74% of sufferers with disturbing mental images, often manifests through hearing voices and unfounded fears of harm. These images, rooted in trauma, anxiety, and fear of future events, contribute significantly to mistrust and paranoia. A recent survey of over 10,000 UK adults found imagery to be the third most strongly linked factor with these symptoms.
The Need for New Interventions
Current treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and antipsychotic medications, have shown limited effectiveness. While CBT offers a modest impact on hallucinations and delusions, antipsychotic drugs often lead to discontinuation due to side effects or lack of perceived benefits. Approximately 74% of patients switch or stop medications within 18 months, underscoring the urgent need for more effective alternatives.
The University of Sheffield’s research team believes iMAPS could complement existing therapies by directly addressing “mind’s eye” imagery. The therapy aims to help patients understand, reinterpret, and replace negative images with positive ones, also targeting negative self-beliefs through imagery techniques.
Trial Results and Expert Insights
The largest feasibility trial of imagery-focused therapy for psychosis, involving 45 patients, was detailed in the Schizophrenia Bulletin journal. The study demonstrated the safety of iMAPS and yielded encouraging results, paving the way for a potential multi-center clinical trial to assess its clinical and cost-effectiveness.
Dr. Christopher Taylor, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sheffield, explained, “Our goal is to help patients gain control over powerful images that amplify suspicion and paranoia. Suppressing these images often intensifies them, similar to how avoiding chocolate biscuits can increase cravings.”
Dr. Taylor further elaborated on the therapy techniques, which include “safe place” exercises and imagery rescripting, a method borrowed from trauma therapy. This approach enables individuals to imagine positive outcomes to past negative events, engaging all senses to reshape their experiences.
Personal Stories: A Patient’s Journey
Thom Brandwood-Spencer, a participant in the first iMAPS study, began experiencing distressing symptoms at a young age. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, Thom’s condition improved with support, yet his visions persisted, impacting his life significantly.
Through iMAPS, Thom learned to change the narrative of his mental images over eight weekly sessions. “The therapy helped me understand that my experiences aren’t pre-ordained,” he shared. “I realized the threat wasn’t from the figures, but from my own feelings.”
“As well as the benefits of the iMAPS therapy itself, I’ve been able to act as a consultant on the latest study and an advocate to help others going through similar experiences,” Thom added.
Thom’s journey has inspired others, as he now supports individuals with mental health challenges and shares his experiences at international conferences.
Looking Ahead: The Future of iMAPS
Encouraged by patient feedback, Dr. Taylor and his team are advocating for a full clinical trial to evaluate iMAPS’s broader impact. This step is crucial to potentially integrating the therapy into the existing range of treatments recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The development of iMAPS represents a significant advancement in psychosis treatment, offering a new avenue for patients seeking relief from distressing mental images. As research continues, the therapy holds promise for transforming the lives of those affected by this challenging condition.
