Work

Metacognitive Training for Depression (D-MCT) compared to computerized cognitive remediation in outpatient care: A randomized controlled trial

Year: 2024

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Background Metacognitive Training for Depression (D-MCT) is a low-threshold group treatment, with all materials available at no cost in English and many other languages. The present study investigated the efficacy of D-MCT compared to a cognitive remediation (CR) program in outpatient care and examined moderators of outcome. Methods A total of 84 patients with depression were randomized to D-MCT or a CR program (MyBrainTraining). Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline (t0), 8 weeks later (t1, post), and 6 months after t1 (t2, follow-up). The Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) served as the primary outcome; secondary outcomes included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Results Intention-to-treat analyses revealed no differences on any of the parameters. Per protocol analyses showed superiority of the D-MCT compared to CR on the BDI-II after 8 weeks. Patients with a more severe course of depression and a higher number of comorbid disorders benefited more from D-MCT than CR according to moderation analyses. Limitations Limitations are possible allegiance effects and the small sample size. Conclusions The study corroborates prior findings showing the efficacy of both D-MCT and CR in improving depressive symptoms. D-MCT was superior in only one secondary outcome measure. In light of the results, we have made several changes to D-MCT to improve treatment outcomes since the study was conducted, including an app (COGITO; www.uke.de/mct_app ) and a program that specifically targets older people with depression. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (# NCT03268434 ).

Source: Journal of Affective Disorders

DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.12.083

Authors: Steffen Moritz, Mona Dietrichkeit, Annika Schmueser, Marion Hagemann-Goebel, Lena Jelinek

Institutions: University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Asklepios, Asklepios Kliniken Hamburg

Language: English

Topic: Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,340