Group Metacognitive Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A pilot feasibility Trial

Haseth, Svein, Solem, Stian, Baardsen, Grethe, Bjornstad, Eiren, Grotte, Torun and Fisher, PL ORCID: 0000-0002-7388-720X (2019) Group Metacognitive Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A pilot feasibility Trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 10 (FEB). 290-.

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Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Individual metacognitive therapy (MCT) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is well established, but only one study has investigated the effectiveness of Group MCT (g-MCT) for GAD. The aim of the current study was therefore to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of g-MCT for GAD within a community mental health setting whilst addressing limitations evident in the previous study. <b>Methods:</b> The study used an open trial design, and 23 consecutively referred adults with GAD completed 10 sessions (90 min) of g-MCT, delivered by two therapists trained in MCT. Diagnoses were assessed by trained raters using the Anxiety Disorder Interview Schedule-IV. All patients but one had previous psychosocial treatment, and 17 (73.9%) had at least one comorbid axis-I disorder. Self-reported symptoms were assessed using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 at pre- and post-treatment as well as 3-month follow-up. Feasibility was assessed using rates of patients who declined group treatment in favor of individual treatment, patients not able to attend due to pre-scheduled dates for sessions, and drop-out rate. <b>Results:</b> Of 32 eligible participants, six patients (19%) declined g-MCT in favor of individual MCT, and three (9%) were unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. No patients dropped out during treatment, but two patients did not complete the self-report questionnaires at 3-month follow-up. g-MCT was associated with significant reductions in worry, anxiety, depression, metacognitive beliefs, and maladaptive coping. According to the standardized Jacobson criteria for recovery, 65.3% were recovered at post-treatment, whereas 30.4% were improved and 4.3% showed no change. At 3-month follow-up, the recovery rate increased to 78.3%. Moreover, recovery rates were comparable for patients with- and without comorbidity. Number of therapist hours per patient was 6.5 and the treatment has now been implemented as a standard treatment option at the clinic. <b>Conclusion:</b> g-MCT for GAD is an acceptable treatment which may offer a cost-effective alternative approach to individual MCT. Recovery rates and effect sizes suggested that g-MCT could be just as efficient as individual MCT and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	metacognitive therapy, generalized anxiety disorder, GAD, outcome, metacognition, group therapy
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	07 Feb 2019 09:12
Last Modified:	02 Feb 2024 21:48
DOI:	10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00290
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3032315