Depression and Anxiety

Volume 31, Issue 5 p. 402-411

Review

THE EFFICACY OF METACOGNITIVE THERAPY FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION: A META-ANALYTIC REVIEW

Nicoline Normann M.Sc.,

Corresponding Author

Nicoline Normann M.Sc.

Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Correspondence to: Nicoline Normann, Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author

Arnold A. P. van Emmerik Ph.D.,

Arnold A. P. van Emmerik Ph.D.

Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Search for more papers by this author

Nexhmedin Morina Ph.D.,

Nexhmedin Morina Ph.D.

Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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Nicoline Normann M.Sc.,

Corresponding Author

Nicoline Normann M.Sc.

Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Arnold A. P. van Emmerik Ph.D.,

Arnold A. P. van Emmerik Ph.D.

Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Search for more papers by this author

Nexhmedin Morina Ph.D.,

Nexhmedin Morina Ph.D.

Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Search for more papers by this author

First published: 22 April 2014

https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22273

Citations: 192

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Abstract

Background

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a relatively new approach to treating mental disorders. The aim of the current meta-analysis was to examine the efficacy of MCT in patients with mental disorders.

Method

A comprehensive literature search revealed 16 published as well as unpublished studies on the efficacy of MCT, of which nine were controlled trials. These studies report on 384 participants suffering from anxiety or depression. Treatment efficacy was examined using a random effects model.

Results

On primary outcome measures the aggregate within-group pre- to posttreatment and pretreatment to follow-up effect sizes for MCT were large (Hedges’ g = 2.00 and 1.65, respectively). Within-group pre- to posttreatment changes in metacognitions were also large (Hedges’ g = 1.18) and maintained at follow-up (Hedges’ g = 1.31). Across the controlled trials, MCT was significantly more effective than both waitlist control groups (between-group Hedges’ g = 1.81) as well as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT; between-group Hedges’ g = 0.97).

Conclusions

Results suggest that MCT is effective in treating disorders of anxiety and depression and is superior compared to waitlist control groups and CBT, although the latter finding should be interpreted with caution. The implications of these findings are limited by small sample sizes and few active control conditions. Future studies should include larger sample sizes and also include comparisons of MCT with other empirically supported therapies.

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Citing Literature

Volume31, Issue5

May 2014

Pages 402-411

THE EFFICACY OF METACOGNITIVE THERAPY FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION: A META-ANALYTIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

Information

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THE EFFICACY OF METACOGNITIVE THERAPY FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION: A META-ANALYTIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusions

REFERENCES

Citing Literature

References

Related

Information