[Metacognitive Therapy and Pharmacotherapy - Adapted to Unaccompanied Refugee Minors]

Metacognitive Therapy and Pharmacotherapy - Adapted to Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Unaccompanied refugee minors (URM) present a relatively new challenge for adolescent psychotherapy and psychiatry. The evidence of possible treatment approaches is scarce. This paper presents a pragmatic adaptation of Wells' Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) for this population for the first time. Unlike the established trauma-focused treatment approaches MCT does not aim at prolonged exposure to the trauma narrative. Instead, patients shall learn to leave the distressing thoughts alone and to reduce the perseverating thinking processes (rumination and worrying). Adaptations to URM comprise preceding strategies of stabilization and culture specific aspects. In case of severe sleeping problems, medication might be of help.