Metacognitive Skills Training to Reduce Jumping to Conclusions in Adults With Psychotic Disorders Receiving Forensic Psychiatric Care

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how group-based Metacognitive Skills Training MCT may help people with psychotic disorders, especially in forensic psychiatric care. Psychotic disorders often involve difficulties in social thinking and metacognition, which are linked to violent behavior. This study aims to better understand factors that influence the effectiveness of MCT, which targets reducing cognitive biases like jumping to conclusions that relate to delusions and paranoia. The MCT intervention involves 10 group sessions focusing on exercises and discussions about cognitive biases, empathy, and memory. Participants in the MCT group receive this training alongside their usual treatment. The study compares these patients to two control groups patients receiving standard long-term hospital care and non-patient controls without psychosis. All groups undergo psychological testing before and after the study period to assess changes in cognition and symptoms. Participants will complete tests measuring their tendency to jump to conclusions, mood symptoms, paranoia, and psychological flexibility at the start and after nine months for the MCT group, or after one year for the control groups. Data collection will continue until enough participants join. Researchers will analyze changes over time to see if MCT reduces cognitive biases and related symptoms, potentially helping reduce risky behaviors and improve social functioning.

The Efficacy of Metacognitive Skills Training in the Context of Forensic Psychiatric Care