A pioneering therapy targeting distressing mental images for individuals with psychosis could herald a transformative intervention for a condition that costs England nearly £12 billion annually. The therapy, developed by a research team at the University of Sheffield, focuses on addressing intrusive imagery that affects up to 74% of people with psychosis, a condition characterized by hearing voices and harboring unfounded fears of harm.
These vivid mental images, often stemming from trauma, anxiety, or anticipated future events, are strongly linked with mistrust and paranoia, according to a recent survey of over 10,000 UK adults. Current treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and antipsychotic medications, have shown limited effectiveness, with many patients discontinuing medication due to side effects or lack of benefit.
Introducing iMAPS: A New Approach
The University of Sheffield’s research team is exploring an imagery-focused therapy called iMAPS, designed to complement existing treatments. iMAPS aims to help patients understand and alter distressing mental images, replacing them with more positive ones, and addressing negative beliefs about self and others. Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the therapy was tested in a feasibility trial involving 45 patients, with promising results published in the Schizophrenia Bulletin journal.
Dr. Christopher Taylor, a Senior Lecturer and NIHR Fellow at the University of Sheffield, explained the therapy’s approach: “Imagine someone experiencing psychosis, who has the terrifying belief that their home will be invaded. They might vividly picture an intruder, triggering intense fear. Our goal is to help them gain control over these powerful images.”
“When you try to suppress distressing mental images, they often return more intensely,” Dr. Taylor noted. “In therapy, we address this by helping individuals understand these shared experiences.”
Patient Experiences and Outcomes
One participant, Thom Brandwood-Spencer, began experiencing distressing symptoms at a young age. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, Thom’s condition was challenging to manage, leading him to drop out of university. He participated in the iMAPS trial, where therapy helped him understand and change the narrative of his mental images.
“At that point, the condition was completely disrupting my life, and the prescribed medication wasn’t working,” Thom shared. “iMAPS helped me change the narrative of powerlessness and understand that my experiences are not pre-ordained.”
Thom’s journey through iMAPS therapy enabled him to complete an undergraduate degree in Psychology and pursue a Master’s. He now supports others with mental health challenges and advocates for iMAPS, sharing his experiences at international conferences.
“One of the most important messages I’d like to get across is that whatever you are going through, it doesn’t have to be forever. It can change, and there is hope,” Thom emphasized.
Looking Ahead: The Future of iMAPS Therapy
The success of the initial trial has led to hopes for a multi-centre clinical trial to further test iMAPS’s clinical and cost-effectiveness. Dr. Taylor expressed optimism about the future: “A full clinical trial is the necessary next step to assess iMAPS’s broader clinical and cost effectiveness, paving the way for it to potentially complement existing NICE-recommended psychosis treatments.”
The development of iMAPS therapy represents a significant advancement in psychosis treatment, offering new hope to patients and their families. As the research progresses, it could provide a valuable addition to the arsenal of therapies available for managing psychosis, ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition.
