title: Changes in neuropsychological function after treatment with metacognitive therapy or cognitive behavior therapy for depression.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Metacognitive therapy (MCT) is an innovative treatment model addressing patterns of negative thinking seen in emotional disorders. Unlike cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), MCT has strategies targeting dysfunctional cognitive and metacognitive processes underlying perseverative thinking patterns and attentional biases. The aim of this pilot study was to compare changes in neuropsychological functioning related to executive function and attention in outpatients with depression following treatment with MCT or CBT.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-eight participants referred for outpatient treatment of depression were randomized to 12 weeks of MCT (n = 23) or CBT (n = 25). Mood severity and neuropsychological functioning were assessed at pretreatment, 4 weeks, and at end treatment (12 weeks).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant group differences at pretreatment or 4 weeks on any neuropsychological test, although overall both groups showed a small improvement by 4 weeks. At end treatment, the MCT group demonstrated significantly greater improvement in performance on a task requiring spatial working memory and attention than the CBT group. Changes in executive functioning and attention were independent of change in mood symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MCT may have an advantage over CBT in improving aspects of executive function, including attention. MCT's emphasis on attentional training and flexible control of thinking may have a beneficial effect on neuropsychological functioning, consistent with the purported mechanism of action.
authors: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.|Psychology Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors: Samantha J
authors: SJ
authors: Groves
authors: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.|Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors: Richard J
authors: RJ
authors: Porter
authors: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.|Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Jordan
authors: Psychology Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Knight
authors: Psychology Department, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors: Janet D
authors: JD
authors: Carter
authors: Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors: Virginia V W
authors: VV
authors: McIntosh
authors: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors: Kumari
authors: K
authors: Fernando
authors: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors: Christopher M A
authors: CM
authors: Frampton
authors: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.|Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors: Roger T
authors: RT
authors: Mulder
authors: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.|Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors: Cameron
authors: C
authors: Lacey
authors: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors: Peter R
authors: PR
authors: Joyce
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D056344:Executive Function; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000067489:Metacognition; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D013850:Thinking; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: cognition; cognitive behavior therapy; depression; treatment