Can metacognitive interventions improve insight in schizophrenia spectrum disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Javier David Lopez-Morinigo, Olesya Ajnakina, Adela Sánchez Escribano Martínez, Paula Jhoana Escobedo-Aedo, Verónica González Ruiz-Ruano, Sergio Sánchez-Alonso, Laura Mata-Iturralde, Laura Muñoz-Lorenzo, Susana Ochoa, Enrique Baca-García, Anthony S. Dav

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

39 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background. Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) tend to lack insight, which is linked to poor outcomes. The effect size of previous treatments on insight changes in SSD has been small. Metacognitive interventions may improve insight in SSD, although this remains unproved. Methods. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the effects of metacognitive interventions designed for SSD, namely Metacognitive Training (MCT) and Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT), on changes in cognitive and clinical insight at post-treatment and at follow-up. Results. Twelve RCTs, including 10 MCT RCTs (n = 717 participants) and two MERIT trials (n = 90), were selected, totalling N = 807 participants. Regarding cognitive insight six RCTs (n = 443) highlighted a medium effect of MCT on self-reflectiveness at post-treatment, d = 0.46, p < 0.01, and at follow-up, d = 0.30, p < 0.01. There was a small effect of MCT on self-certainty at post-treatment, d = -0.23, p = 0.03, but not at follow-up. MCT was superior to controls on an overall Composite Index of cognitive insight at post-treatment, d = 1.11, p < 0.01, and at follow-up, d = 0.86, p = 0.03, although we found evidence of heterogeneity. Of five MCT trials on clinical insight (n = 244 participants), which could not be meta-analysed, four of them favoured MCT compared v. control. The two MERIT trials reported conflicting results. Conclusions. Metacognitive interventions, particularly Metacognitive Training, appear to improve insight in patients with SSD, especially cognitive insight shortly after treatment. Further long-term RCTs are needed to establish whether these metacognitive interventionsrelated insight changes are sustained over a longer time period and result in better outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2289-2301
Number of pages13
JournalPsychological Medicine
Volume50
Issue number14
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2020

Keywords

  • Insight
  • Metacognitive interventions
  • Outcomes
  • Schizophrenia spectrum disorders

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