Using dramatic reality to reduce depressive symptoms: A qualitative study

• Dramatic reality attempts to address the causes behind common depressive symptoms.
• Explanation of autobiographical and future memory in depression.
• Ideas about an inhibited imagination and self in maintaining depressive symptoms.
• Dramatherapy could be offered by GPs as an alternative to anti-depressants.
• Imagination-based interventions work well with symptoms of depression.

The research surrounding the use of the imaginative realm in treating patients with depression is limited. The aim of this study is to identify from the dramatherapists’ point of view, whether the imagination can be a useful intervention in the treatment of clients with depression. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with dramatherapists working for non-NHS organisations in England. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the data. The findings highlight the dramatherapists’ perception of the imaginary realm and self, the imagination in depression and how autobiographical and future memory may influence depressive symptoms. The symptoms include social isolation, social anxiety, avoidance behaviours, low self-esteem, low motivation, negative mindset, suicidal ideation and low mood. The structure of the imaginary realm is questioned and new experiences are highlighted as being significant for enabling people with depression to build a more positive impression of the future inside and outside of therapy. The relevance of a diagnosis is also discussed in regards to its necessity and the difficulties it can cause for clients suffering from depression. In addition, there is some indication of how dramatic reality could be used to treat depression as a complimentary treatment to medicines in the future.