Metacognitive therapy for generalized anxiety disorders in group: A case study

• Published in: Journal of clinical psychology Vol. 80; no. 4; pp. 884 - 899
• Main Authors: Hammersmark, Ane T., Hjemdal, Odin, Hannisdal, Marit, Lending, Hilde D., Reme, Silje E., Hodne, Kjetil, Osnes, Kåre, Gjengedal, Ragne, Johnson, Sverre U.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Periodicals Inc 01-04-2024
• Subjects: anxiety; Anxiety disorders; Anxiety Disorders - psychology; Case studies; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Emotions; GAD; Generalized anxiety disorder; group treatment; Homework; Humans; MCT; Metacognition; Psychotherapy, Group; anxiety; GAD; homework; group treatment; MCT
• ISSN: 0021-9762; 1097-4679
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23615

Objectives
In Metacognitive therapy (MCT), homework is used, for example, to increase awareness of thoughts and thought processes, to challenge metacognitive beliefs in real‐life situations, and to practice new ways of processing thoughts, feelings, and symptoms. All MCT treatment manuals include homework assignments to be given between each session.
Method
The following study provides a detailed description of the implementation of homework in a group‐based MCT treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) at an outpatient clinic in Norway. The treatment described in this case consisted of 10 weekly group sessions (7 patients) lasting two hours.
Results
This case study demonstrates that group‐based MCT can be used to treat GAD and describes how the use of homework can facilitate therapeutic change.
Conclusion
Overall, the effectiveness of MCT was found to be high. Homework gives patients the opportunity to take charge of their therapy and develop a sense of responsibility for their own progress, both during and after treatment.