Interventions for confabulation: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Objective: Confabulations are false memories which are expressedwithout the intention to deceive and arise following brain damage or psychological dysfunction. Confabulations can become a barrier to effective neuropsychological rehabilitation and consequently, intervention is required.The current review aimed to provide a detailed evaluative account of existing interventions for confabulation and their relative effectiveness.

Method: The search process found 11 studies conducive with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A methodological quality assessment was then carried out and the majority of included studies demonstrated poor methodological quality.

Results: Ten types of interventions were identified and the majority of theseled to a reduction or elimination of confabulations.

Conclusion: Since methodological quality of many included studies was deemed unsatisfactory, further large-scale experimental research and standardised measures are necessary to adequately compare the relative effectiveness of these interventions. Further research and clinical implications are also highlighted.