Sammanfattning
Background: Preliminary data support the implementation of individual metacognitive therapy (MCT)
for depression. Given the focus of MCT on transpersonal processes, we hypothesized that this
treatment should translate well to a group format. In this study, the effects and feasibility associated
with group MCT for depression are reported. Methods: Eleven patients who were consecutively
referred by general practitioners to a specialist psychiatric practice in Norway participated in an open
trial of the effects and feasibility associated with group MCT for depression. All of the patients met the
DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) and were monitored in a baseline period before
attending 90-min weekly treatment sessions of group MCT for 10 weeks. The primary symptom
outcome measure was severity of depression whilst secondary outcome measures included levels of
anxiety, rumination and metacognitive beliefs. We also assessed recovery rates and changes in
comorbid Axis I and Axis II diagnoses. Results: Large clinically significant improvements across all
measures were detected at post-treatment and these were maintained at follow-up. Based on
objectively defined recovery criteria, all patients were classified as recovered at post-treatment and
91% at 6 months follow-up. The intervention was also associated with significant reductions in
comorbid diagnoses. Conclusions: These preliminary data indicate that group MCT in the treatment of
depression is effective, well accepted and it extends clinical application of MCT for depression to
group formats as a potential cost-effective intervention.