Generic Group Metacognitive Therapy for Patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Related Problems: a Preliminary Evaluation in Specialized Mental Health Care

Abstract

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a transdiagnostic treatment approach with substantial empirical support that is well suited to be delivered in a group format. The present study reports on data from a service evaluation of generic group metacognitive therapy delivered to individuals seeking treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) at a specialized mental health outpatient clinic. A total of 17 patients diagnosed with MDD where comorbidity was frequent received 10 sessions of generic group MCT delivered by two therapists. Group MCT was associated with large effect sizes for symptoms of depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems, self-esteem, general functioning, dysfunctional metacognitions, and treatment satisfaction was very high. The average number of therapist sessions used to treat each patient was seven. These preliminary findings support the continued use and evaluation of group MCT for patients seeking treatment for depression in specialized mental health care which likely is a cost-effective treatment option.