1. Metacognitive reflection and insight therapy (MERIT) for patients with schizophrenia.
- Author
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de Jong S, van Donkersgoed RJM, Timmerman ME, Aan Het Rot M, Wunderink L, Arends J, van Der Gaag M, Aleman A, Lysaker PH, and Pijnenborg GHM
- Subjects
- Adult, Empathy physiology, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Male, Middle Aged, Schizophrenia physiopathology, Social Behavior, Theory of Mind physiology, Metacognition physiology, Outcome Assessment, Health Care, Psychotherapy methods, Schizophrenia therapy, Self Concept, Social Perception
- Abstract
Background: Impaired metacognition is associated with difficulties in the daily functioning of people with psychosis. Metacognition can be divided into four domains: Self-Reflection, Understanding the Other's Mind, Decentration, and Mastery. This study investigated whether Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT) can be used to improve metacognition., Methods: This study is a randomized controlled trial. Patients in the active condition (n = 35) received forty MERIT sessions, the control group (n = 35) received treatment as usual. Multilevel intention-to-treat and completers analyses were performed for metacognition and secondary outcomes (psychotic symptomatology, cognitive insight, Theory of Mind, empathy, depression, self-stigma, quality of life, social functioning, and work readiness)., Results: Eighteen out of 35 participants finished treatment, half the drop-out stemmed from therapist attrition (N = 5) or before the first session (N = 4). Intention-to-treat analysis demonstrated that in both groups metacognition improved between pre- and post-measurements, with no significant differences between the groups. Patients who received MERIT continued to improve, while the control group returned to baseline, leading to significant differences at follow-up. Completers analysis (18/35) showed improvements on the Metacognition Assessment Scale (MAS-A) scales Self Reflectivity and metacognitive Mastery at follow-up. No effects were found on secondary outcomes., Conclusions: On average, participants in the MERIT group were, based on MAS-A scores, at follow-up more likely to recognize their thoughts as changeable rather than as facts. MERIT might be useful for patients whose self-reflection is too limited to benefit from other therapies. Given how no changes were found in secondary measures, further research is needed. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.
- Published
- 2019
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