Is Metacognitive Training effective for improving neurocognitive function in patients with a recent onset of psychosis?

The aims are to assess improvements in memory, attention and executive function in first-episode psychosis after Metacognitive Training (MCT). A multicenter randomized clinical trial was performed with two arms: MCT and psychoeducational intervention. A total of 126 patients with a diagnosis of psychosis, less than 5 years from the onset of the disease, were included. Patients were assessed two or three moments (baseline, post-treatment, 6 months follow-up) depending on the test, with a battery of neurocognitive tests (TAVEC, TMTA-B, CPT, WCST, Stroop and premorbid IQ). General linear models for repeated measures were performed.  A better improvement in the MCT was found by an interaction between group and time in CPT Hit index, TMTB, Stroop, recent memory and number of perseverations of the TAVEC. Considering three assessments, a better improvement was found in non-perseverative, perseverative and total errors of the WCST and TMTB. The MCT is an effective psychological intervention to improve several cognitive functions.

Influence of Maternal and Paternal History of Mental Health in Clinical, Social Cognition and Metacognitive Variables in People with First-Episode Psychosis.

This study investigates, for the first time, clinical, cognitive, social cognitive and metacognitive differences in people diagnosed with first-episode of psychosis (FEP) with and without a family history of mental disorder split by maternal and paternal antecedents. A total of 186 individuals with FEP between 18 and 45 years old were recruited in community mental-health services. A transversal, descriptive, observational design was chosen for this study. Results suggest that there is a higher prevalence of maternal history of psychosis rather than paternal, and furthermore, these individuals exhibit a specific clinical, social and metacognitive profile. Individuals with a maternal history of mental disorder scored higher in delusional experiences, inhibition of the response to a stimulus and higher emotional irresponsibility while presenting a poorer overall functioning as compared to individuals without maternal history. Individuals with paternal history of mental disorder score higher in externalizing attributional bias, irrational beliefs of need for external validation and high expectations. This study elucidates different profiles of persons with FEP and the influence of the maternal and paternal family history on clinical, cognitive, social and metacognitive variables, which should be taken into account when offering individualized early treatment.