Page No 75-85
Subhashini Gopal and Hema Tharoor C.N. Ramgopal
Schizophrenia Research Foundation Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute
Chennai. Chennai
This paper provides a detailed review of empirical studies on Metacognitive Training
(MCT) in Psychosis. MCT is regarded as a combination of CBT and cognitive remediation
(CRT) and involves many cognitive tasks. This paper included studies that used the
MCT modules developed by Moritz S and Woodward T.S. It is delivered as group and
individual program. MCT’s primary aim is to raise the patients’ awareness for both the
presence and dysfunctionality of cognitive distortions by means of various exercises
and provides corrective experiences. The relationship between cognitive biases and
psychosis is continuously stressed throughout the sessions and patients are taught
alternative coping and information processing strategies. The studies have carefully
examined the feasibility, efficacy and safety of MCT when compared to other interventions
or treatment as usual. The studies identified were controlled and uncontrolled studies and
few systematic meta-analysis were also reported. The data obtained from these studies
suggest that MCT is a feasible intervention subjectively appraised by the participants and
has a significant effect in reducing positive symptoms and cognitive biases. In particular
MCT had significant effect on reducing distress and conviction related to delusions. It was
concluded that MCT is a useful intervention targeting positive symptoms in psychosis
.