This research describes a new psychological therapy designed to help people with psychosis, a mental health condition that can cause hallucinations, paranoia and extreme fear of harm. The therapy focuses on disturbing mental images that often fuel paranoia and distress in psychosis. Instead of only using medication or standard talk therapy, the new approach directly targets the mental pictures in the “mind’s eye” that make people feel threatened, unsafe, or overwhelmed.
Understanding Imagery in Psychosis
Many individuals with psychosis experience intrusive mental images, vivid, unwanted pictures or scenes inside their minds that are linked to hallucinations or unfounded beliefs about danger or harm. These images are not just thoughts; they often feel real and can intensify fear, mistrust or paranoia. Research shows that up to 74% of people with psychosis report such intrusive imagery connected to their symptoms.
Research Details
The feasibility study showed that iMAPS therapy was safe, engaging and well-tolerated by participants. People were able to attend regularly and reported meaningful reductions in distress linked to their hallucinations and paranoia. Rather than simply trying to avoid or suppress frightening mental images, the therapy helped individuals gain control and reshape how these images were experienced. These early results suggest that addressing the visual sensory parts of psychosis, not just thoughts or beliefs, could be an important addition to traditional treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medication, which often have a limited impact on imagery-related symptoms.
Major Findings
The research shows that many people with psychosis experience intrusive mental images linked to fear and paranoia. It also found that imagery-focused therapy (iMAPS) can help individuals understand, manage and change these distressing images. The initial trial reported strong patient participation, good safety outcomes and noticeable reductions in emotional distress. These positive early results suggest that a larger clinical trial is needed to further evaluate how effective iMAPS therapy is and whether it offers good value for wider use in mental health care.
Read More: Life After Psychosis: The Rehabilitation of Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors’ Perspective
Dr Christopher Taylor and his team argue that imagery plays a major role in psychosis symptoms but has been overlooked in most psychological treatments. Traditional therapies address thoughts or behaviours but do not directly help people reshape the visual content of their minds that drives fear and mistrust. According to the researchers, helping people learn to reinterpret and control imagery can reduce distress and improve daily functioning. They believe that imagery-focused therapy could become a valuable partner to existing psychosis treatments.
Conclusion
The study suggests that imagery-focused therapy, specifically iMAPS, may offer a promising new way to support people with psychosis. By helping individuals understand and reshape distressing mental images, the therapy shows early evidence of reducing paranoia and emotional distress. The results highlight the importance of addressing the sensory and imagery aspects of psychosis, not just thoughts or hallucinations. With further research and larger clinical trials, this approach could become an important part of effective psychosis care.
