The comparison of the effectiveness of memory specificity training and behavioral activation therapy in women with treatment-resistant depression

BACKGROUND: Women are about twice as likely as men to develop depression during their lifetime. Depression, as a chronic and recurrent disorder, leads to loss of academic, occupational, personal, and social performance. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of memory specificity training (MEST) and behavioral activation (BA) treatment on rumination, dysfunctional attitude, and psycho-social adjustment in women with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). METHODS: The present study was a quasi-experimental research with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. The statistical population included all of the women with diagnosis of TRD in Rafsanjan, Iran, in 2018. 37 subjects were randomly selected and assigned to two experimental groups and one control group. Data were collected by Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Ruminative Response Scale, Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale (PAIS), and the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS). To analyze the data, multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and SPSS software were used. RESULTS: Both treatments (MEST and BA) had a significant effect in the improvement of symptoms compared to the control group. The MEST has been more effective in reducing depression, rumination, and dysfunctional attitude than BA therapy (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that MEST and BA treatment are effective methods for alleviation of TRD and symptoms in women.