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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Study protocol

A manual-based individual therapy to improve metacognition in schizophrenia: protocol of a multi-center RCT

Authors: Rozanne JM Van Donkersgoed, Steven De Jong, Mark Van der Gaag, André Aleman, Paul H Lysaker, Lex Wunderink, GHM Pijnenborg

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Metacognitive dysfunction has been widely recognized as a feature of schizophrenia. As it is linked with deficits in several aspects of daily life functioning, improvement of metacognition may lead to improvement in functioning. Individual psychotherapy might be a useful form of treatment to improve metacognition in patients with schizophrenia; multiple case reports and a pilot study show promising results. The present study aims to measure the effectiveness of an individual, manual-based therapy (Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy, MERIT) in improving metacognition in patients with schizophrenia. We also want to examine if improvement in metacognitive abilities is correlated with improvements in aspects of daily life functioning namely social functioning, experience of symptoms, quality of life, depression, work readiness, insight and experience of stigma.

Methods/Design

MERIT is currently evaluated in a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Thirteen therapists in six mental health institutions in the Netherlands participate in this study. Patients are randomly assigned to either MERIT or the control condition: treatment as usual (TAU).

Discussion

If proven effective, MERIT can be a useful addition to the care for schizophrenia patients. The design brings along some methodological difficulties, these issues are addressed in the discussion of this paper.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials: ISRCTN16659871.

Available only for authorised users

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/14/27/prepub

Title: A manual-based individual therapy to improve metacognition in schizophrenia: protocol of a multi-center RCT
Authors: Rozanne JM Van Donkersgoed
Steven De Jong
Mark Van der Gaag
André Aleman
Paul H Lysaker
Lex Wunderink
GHM Pijnenborg
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-14-27

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

A manual-based individual therapy to improve metacognition in schizophrenia: protocol of a multi-center RCT

Abstract

Background

Methods/Design

Discussion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods/Design

Discussion

Trial registration

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