A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Effect of Metacognitive Training on Cognitive Biases in Patients With...

Schizophrenia presents significant challenges, with cognitive dysfunction being a hallmark feature affecting daily functioning.

The study explores the impact of metacognitive training (MCT) on cognitive function in schizophrenia patients.

A systematic review and meta-analysis encompassed 21 studies identified through databases and manual searches. Inclusion criteria focused on MCT interventions, controlled experimental designs and cognitive outcome measures. Data synthesis and meta-analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

The meta-analysis results revealed a significant effect of MCT on Cognitive Biases Questionnaire(CBQ)-catastrophizing (JTC) (No. studies = 3, SMD = -0.61, 95% CI: -0.98, -0.25; I² = 0.0%, p = 0.92) and CBQ-emotional reasoning(ER) (No. studies = 2, SMD = -0.50, 95% CI: -0.82, -0.18; I² = 0.0%, p = 0.92), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)-positive(P) (No. studies = 14, SMD = -0.52, 95% CI: -0.68, -0.35; I² = 0.0%, p = 0.62), PANSS-negative(N) (No. studies = 8, SMD = -0.21, 95% CI: -0.42, -0.00; I² = 0.0%, p = 0.94) and PANSS-total(T) (No. studies = 8, SMD = -0.42, 95% CI: -0.68, -0.16; I² = 22.30%, p = 0.25) among schizophrenia patients. However, we found no significant impact of MCT treatment on CBQ-total(T), CBQ- intentionalizing (I), CBQ-catastrophizing(C), CBQ-dichotomous thinking(DT), Beck Cognitive Insight Scale(BCIS)-self-reflectiveness(SR), BCIS-self-certainty(SC), BCIS-composite index(CI) and PANSS-general(G) scores.

MCT demonstrates a positive impact on cognitive biases and symptom severity in schizophrenia patients. These results advocate for innovative, personalised interventions to complement traditional approaches in schizophrenia management.