Projects in this area will attempt to bridge research in cognitive science and experimental psychopatholgy with novel developments for cognitive therapy. The cognitive behaviour therapies (CBT) are psychological treatments now with a good evidence based for several disorders. Yet CBT still requires improvement in many areas e.g. for bipolar disorder, and may also benefit from harnessing new computerised technologies. To support innovative treatment development, we need to better understand the underlying cognitive processes.

Advances in the cognitive science have highlighted processes that seem critical in maintaining and exacerbating emotional states – cognitive biases and mental imagery. For example, negative intrusive mental imagery reflects the role of involuntary and distressing mental images (as opposed to verbal thoughts) about the past or future (e.g. an image of being shunned and humiliated by others; Holmes & Hackmann, 2004). We need to find ways to reduce the impact of distressing imagery, and also promote more positive mental imagery and biases. Interestingly, these processes may be modified using novel experimental techniques under development.

Areas of current interest are:

1. Mental imagery in bipolar disorder

e.g. Holmes, E. A., Geddes, J. R., Colom, F., & Goodwin, G. M. (2008). Mental imagery as an emotional amplifier: Application to bipolar disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy. 46(12), 1251-1258 

2. Computerised cognitive bias modification as a cognitive vaccine against mood relapses:

e.g. Holmes, E. A., Lang, T. J., & Shah, D. M. (2009). Developing interpretation bias modification as a 'cognitive vaccine' for depressed mood - Imagining positive events makes you feel better than thinking about them verbally. Journal of Abnormal Psychology. 118(1),76-88 

3.  Imagery competing tasks as a cognitive vaccine for intrusive mental images such as flashbacks

e.g. Holmes EA, James EL, Coode-Bate T, Deeprose C. Can Playing the Computer Game 'Tetris' Reduce the Build-up of Flashbacks for Trauma?' A Proposal from Cognitive Science. PLoS ONE. 2009;4(1):e4153 doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0004153.

There is scope for projects in areas in which the team is currently working (see website). Topics outside these areas will not be considered.

For further information see http://www.psychiatry.ox.ac.uk/epct   or an informal discussion, please contact emily.holmes@psych.ox.ac.uk