Suggested Contribution & e-training MCT

If you use the MCT, please consider making a donation ($30/30€ for individuals; $100/100€ for institutions). You may donate online via If you use the MCT, please consider making a donation ($30/30€ for individuals; $100/100€ for institutions). You may donate online via this link , for more information see here . Please note that we have developed a certified e-training for the MCT. More information is available at www.uke.de/e-mct

Welcome to the webpage for metacognitive training for psychosis (MCT). MCT is a novel cognitive approach to the treatment of positive symptoms in psychosis. Click on your language below for further information (e.g., theoretical background, administration of MCT). Below you will find information on how MCT is used to treat psychosis, several scientific articles to download, and copyright information. The link to the MCT manual (different languages) can be found here. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest developments. Interested in workshops? Please click here. If you like MCT for psychosis, don’t miss our other treatment packages on MCT for borderline personality disorder, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Two recent meta-analyses reporting a significant overall effect of MCT for positive symptoms, delusions, and acceptance of the intervention can be found here. In the framework of our open source initative, you can now also personalize MCT and create your own slides. If you want to learn about our online training showing you how to facilitate MCT, please click here.

Introduction (taken and adapted from the manual) Why cognitive training for schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder. Its core symptoms are delusions and hallucinations.The past decade has witnessed a shift in the understanding and treatment of schizophrenia. Psychopharmacological treatment with antipsychotics still represents the primary form of treatment of schizophrenia. However, past deep-rooted reservations against psychotherapy for the treatment of schizophrenia are being increasingly questioned. In view of the high numbers of patients who show little or no response to antipsychotics or who discontinue treatment because of side effects and lack of insight (Byerly, Nakonezny, & Lescouflair, 2007; Elkis, 2007; Voruganti, Baker, & Awad, 2008), the research on complementary psychotherapeutic and cognitive treatment strategies is becoming increasingly important. Cognitive-behavioral treatment, in particular, has proven to be a useful complementary approach to psychopharmacology (Wykes, Steel, Everitt, & Tarrier, 2008). What is metacognitive training? The present metacognitive training program* is based on the theoretical foundations of the cognitive-behavioral model of schizophrenia, but it employs a somewhat different therapeutic approach. The program is comprised of eight modules and two additional modules targeting common cognitive errors and problem-solving biases in schizophrenia. These errors and biases may, on their own or in combination, culminate in the establishment of false beliefs to the point of delusions (Freeman, 2007; Moritz & Woodward, 2007). The aim of the sessions is to raise the participants’ awareness of these distortions and to prompt them to critically reflect on, expand upon, and change their current repertoire of problem solving. Since psychosis is not a sudden and instantaneous occurrence but is instead often preceded by a gradual change in the appraisal of one’s cognitions and social environment (e.g., Klosterkötter, 1992), empowering metacognitive competence may act prophylactically to prevent a psychotic breakdown. Homework given to participants at the end of each session assists with this process. Each module starts with psychoeducational elements and “normalizing” through the use of many examples and exercises. Each respective domain is introduced (e.g., jumping to conclusions) and the fallibility of human cognition is discussed and illustrated. In a second step, the pathological extremes for each cognitive bias are highlighted. Participants are introduced to how exaggerations of (normal) thinking biases lead to problems in daily life and sometimes may culminate in delusions. This is illustrated by case examples of people with psychosis, and group participants are given the opportunity to share their own experiences if they feel so inclined. Patients learn to detect and defuse cognitive traps. Dysfunctional coping strategies (e.g., avoidance, thought suppression) are also highlighted in this context, along with ways to replace them with more helpful strategies. * Metacognition can be described as “thinking about one’s own thinking” and involves the ability to select appropriate responses based on the situation. It also encompasses the way we appraise and weigh information and how we cope with cognitive limitations. How is metacognitive training administered? Among the problematic thinking styles recognized as potential contributors to the development of delusions are attributional distortions (module 1), a jumping to conclusions bias (modules 2 and 7), a bias against disconfirmatory evidence (module 3), deficits in theory of mind (modules 4 and 6), overconfidence in memory errors (module 5), and depressive cognitive patterns (module 8). The modules are designed to be administered within the framework of a group intervention program. The main purpose of metacognitive training (MCT) is to change the “cognitive infrastructure” of delusional ideation. In recent versions of MCT, we emphasize the relationship between thinking styles, delusions, and psychosis. Previously, we were concerned that an overly confrontational and symptom-oriented approach would be stressful for participants; however, this concern has proven unfounded. Nevertheless, it is recommended that individual delusional themes be addressed in one-on-one therapeutic sessions. Metacognitive training materials have been adapted for this purpose (see individualized Metacogntive Therapy).

How does MCT work? (part 1) MCT targets cognitive biases involved in the pathogenesis of psychosis. Figure 1 illustrates a core maxim of MCT: Don’t judge a book by its cover. In other words, don‘t make strong judgments based on little information. As demonstrated in the example beow, facial expressions can provide clues to one’s emotions but are not 100% reliable—other cues should be considered as well (clearly, many other politicians or celebrities who are well known for their deadpan expression, such as the actors Danny Trejo or Chuck Norris, can also serve as examples).

Figure 1. The many faces of Vladimir Putin We wanted to avoid designing a program that is strong on theory but not interesting to its users. The interactive and entertaining sessions aim to capture the participants’ attention and have a sustained impact. To meet this goal, we have also refrained from incorporating any “drill and practice” exercises. Basic cognitive dysfunctions, such as attentional problems, are not specifically targeted because these deficits are common in a variety of psychiatric groups, and it remains unclear whether they represent specific vulnerability factors for psychosis. Since most aspects of the program are self-explanatory, the manual is fairly short.

How does MCT work? (part 2) Figure 2. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Figure 2 illustrates our tendency to be misled by stereotypes. For example, many assume that all heavy metal bands are satanic. In reality, heavy metal musicians are as colorful as the rainbow! Some musicians are left wing, others are right wing, some are gay (e.g., Rob Halford from Judas Priest), some are religious, some are not...Hmm, what about the excessive usage of pentagrams? Truly satanic? Well, maybe not. Look more closely at the flags of Morocco, Ethiopia,...and Texas! Answers to Figure 2: Born-again Christian: Dave Mustaine from Megadeth; devout Catholic: Tom Araya from Slayer (this led to some controversy, as the band’s ninth album was titled God Hates Us All); Muslim: Rami Mustafa from Nervecell; Jew: Evan Seinfeld from Biohazard (in fact, he has a tattoo of the Star of David on his stomach). To err is human! Most of us have prejudices and cognitive biases – whether we are experiencing psychosis or not. The goal of MCT is to help group members understand these biases – especially those that are particularly pronounced in psychosis, such as jumping to conclusions and overconfidence in errors.

Selected scientific findings demonstrating the efficacy of MCT Moritz S., Andreou, C., Schneider, B. C, Wittekind, C. E., Menon, M., Balzan, R. P. & Woodward, T. S. (2014). Sowing the seeds of doubt: A narrative review on metacognitive training in schizophrenia. Clinical Psychology Review, 34, 358-366.

Moritz, S., Veckenstedt, R., Bohn. F., Köther, U. & Woodward, T. S. (2013). Metacognitive training in schizophrenia: Theoretical rationale and administration. In D. L. Roberts & D. L. Penn (Eds.), Social cognition in schizophrenia. From evidence to treatment (pp. 358-383). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Moritz, S., Vitzthum, F., Randjbar, S., Veckenstedt, R. & Woodward T. S. (2010). Detecting and defusing cognitive traps: Metacognitive intervention in schizophrenia. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 23, 561-569.

Moritz, S. & Woodward T. S. (2007): Metacognitive training in schizophrenia: From basic research to knowledge translation and intervention. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 20, 619-625.