Competitive Memory Training for treating depression and rumination in depressed older adults: A randomized controlled trial

Although rumination is an important mediator of depressive symptoms, there is insufficient proof that an intervention that specifically targets rumination ameliorates the clinical condition of, depressed patients. This study investigates whether a time-limited cognitive behavioral intervention (Competitive Memory Training, or COMET for depressive rumination) is an effective treatment for depression and rumination. This intervention was tested in older adult depressed outpatients. A total of 93 patients (aged ≥65 years with major depression and suffering from rumination) were treated in small groups according to the COMET protocol in addition to their regular treatment. Patients were randomized to two treatment conditions: 7 weeks of COMET + treatment-as-usual (TAU) versus TAU only. COMET + TAU showed a significant improvement in depression and rumination compared with TAU alone. This study shows that the transdiagnostic COMET protocol for depressive rumination might also be successful in treating depression and rumination in older adults. ► Rumination is an important mediator of depressive symptoms but only few interventions specifically target rumination. ► This study tests the efficacy of Competitive Memory Training for depressive rumination in treating depression and rumination. ► We conducted an RCT with 93 older adults with depression and rumination. ► COMET plus treatment-as-usual showed a significant improvement in depression and rumination compared with TAU alone.