Improving functional outcome in bipolar disorder: A pilot study on metacognitive training

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Interventions

Background:

• Effective group psychological interventions for bipolar disorder are limited.
• Metacognitive training (MCT) is an adapted group intervention for severe psychiatric disorders.
• MCT addresses cognitive biases, social cognition, and self-esteem.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility and acceptance of MCT for bipolar disorder.
• To assess the efficacy of MCT on psychosocial functioning and quality of life in bipolar disorder patients.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-four outpatients with bipolar disorder participated.
• Participants received eight weekly sessions of MCT.
• Psychosocial functioning, quality of life, and patient views were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in global psychosocial functioning with a large effect size.
• Significant improvement in physical health quality of life, but not other domains.
• High treatment adherence (80%) and positive patient appraisal of the training.

Conclusions:

• MCT is feasible and shows preliminary evidence of acceptance and efficacy in bipolar disorder patients.
• Further research with larger samples and control groups is needed to confirm findings.
• Long-term maintenance of psychosocial functioning gains remains to be determined.