Metacognitive therapy in recurrent depression: a case replication series in Denmark

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychotherapy Research

Background:

• Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is based on the self-regulatory model, identifying the Cognitive-Attentional Syndrome (CAS) as central to psychological disorders.
• The CAS comprises worry, rumination, and maladaptive coping strategies, which MCT aims to modify.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) for depression in a Danish help-seeking sample.
• To assess the impact of MCT on depressive symptoms, rumination, and metacognitive beliefs.

Main Methods:

• A case series design (A-B) with four depressed Danish participants.
• Treatment involved 5-11 sessions of MCT, with follow-up assessments at 3 and 6 months.
• Primary outcome measured by Beck's Depression Inventory II (BDI-II); CAS processes assessed using the Major Depressive Disorder Scale (MDD-S).

Main Results:

• Clinically significant improvements in depressive symptoms (BDI-II) were observed across all participants.
• Reductions in rumination and maladaptive metacognitive beliefs were noted.
• Treatment effects remained stable at 3- and 6-month follow-ups.

Conclusions:

• MCT appears feasible and effective for treating depression in a Danish clinical setting.
• The study suggests MCT can lead to substantial symptom improvement, even when adapted outside its original context.
• Limitations include the small sample size and potential for decreasing baselines, warranting further research.