Metacognitive training for schizophrenia: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Metacognitive training (MCT) is a psychotherapy for schizophrenia.
• Current evidence for MCT's efficacy is inconclusive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a meta-analysis assessing the effectiveness of MCT in schizophrenia.
• To synthesize findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on MCT for schizophrenia.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of electronic and hand-based literature for RCTs.
• Risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.
• Data synthesis using Cochrane Review Manager and R software.

Main Results:

• Ten trials were included, but outcome assessment variability limited meta-analysis.
• A small, significant reduction in positive symptoms (PANSS) was observed with MCT.
• No significant difference in delusion symptom reduction (PSYRATS) was found; other results were mixed.

Conclusions:

• Inconclusive evidence on MCT effectiveness due to limited RCTs and methodological issues.
• Variability in outcome measures and timing hinders definitive conclusions.
• Further high-quality RCTs with standardized measures and ITT analysis are required.