Imagery rescripting of early memories in health anxiety disorder: A feasibility and non-randomized pilot study

Abstract

Background and objectivesHealth anxiety is a common problem and is associated with frequent primary care visits, increased health care costs, and poor prognosis and low recovery rates. Previous research shows that imagery rescripting (IR) is a promising treatment technique for various disorders. To date, IR has not been examined as a viable treatment for health anxiety. The purpose of the present feasibility and pilot study was to test one session of IR of early anxiety-laden health-related memories in a small sample of patients suffering from HA. MethodsA within-groups design was used with a sample of 18 patients suffering from HA, who first underwent a control condition (reading about CBT), and then one week later a session of IR. After another week, the effects were measured on self-reported health anxiety and early anxiety provoking health-related mental images (memories). ResultsAfter the IR intervention, significant reductions of health anxiety and health worry, as well as image and memory distress, vividness and frequency were observed. LimitationsAmong the most important limitations are the absence of an active control group, the small size of the sample, the absence of a longer follow-up, and the use of only self-report measures. ConclusionsThe results suggest that IR is a feasible technique in the treatment of health anxiety, and that more controlled research along these lines may be worthwhile.