Complementary group Metacognitive Training (MCT) reduces delusional ideation in schizophrenia

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Antipsychotic medications provide incomplete symptom reduction for most schizophrenia patients.
• Cognitive interventions are increasingly used as adjunctive treatments to improve outcomes.
• Metacognitive Training (MCT) specifically targets cognitive biases implicated in delusion formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of group Metacognitive Training (MCT) as an add-on intervention for schizophrenia.
• To determine if MCT can reduce delusion symptoms by addressing underlying cognitive biases.

Main Methods:

• A two-center, randomized, assessor-blind, controlled trial comparing MCT group training with a control cognitive training.
• 150 inpatients and outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, all receiving antipsychotic medication.
• Assessments of delusions (PANSS, PSYRATS) and cognitive measures at baseline, 4 weeks, and 6 months.

Main Results:

• High completion rate (86%) at follow-up.
• MCT group demonstrated significantly greater reduction in delusion scores (PANSS, PSYRATS) and positive symptoms (PANSS) compared to controls.
• Symptom improvement correlated with MCT session attendance; no changes in other psychopathological syndromes.

Conclusions:

• MCT effectively reduces delusion symptoms in schizophrenia patients beyond antipsychotic treatment.
• The training enhances patients' awareness of cognitive biases contributing to paranoia.
• Observed improvements in delusion symptoms were sustained at the six-month follow-up.