The Effects of the Memory Specificity Training (MEST) in Refugees with PTSD

Abstract

Background: Research has indicated a clear link between symptoms of PTSD and overgeneral memory (Moore & Zoellner, 2007). Moreover, overgeneral memory is observed as a vulnerability factor for depression and PTSD (Kleim & Ehlers, 2008). Different studies to date have investigated whether a cognitive training, the Memory Specificity Training (MEST), could improve the recall of specific memories. Studies showed that the MEST training increased memory specificity and reduced PTSD symptoms (Moradiet et al., 2014). However, there is little known about the effects of this cognitive training in refugees with PTSD. Objective: The purpose of the current pilot study is to evaluate the potential effects of the MEST in a day care treatment for refugees with severe PTSD at Arq/Centrum ‘45. Specifically, the aim of the study is to explore the feasibility and potential effects of the MEST in terms of a decline in PTSD symptoms, general mental health symptoms and overgeneral memory. Methods: PTSD symptoms (assessed with the PCL5), general mental health symptoms (assessed with the BSI) and overgeneral memory (measured with the Autobiographical Memory Test) were administered before and after the MEST training. Fidelity checklists were completed after each MEST training session in order to evaluate the feasibility of the training in this target group. Results andConclusion: The results and conclusions will be presented at the conference.