Assessing the Feasibility of Metacognitive Training for Patients with Depression in Pakistan: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Depression is one of the foremost contributors to global disability. The United Nations health agency reports its pervasive impact on over 300 million individuals worldwide. Previous research has proffered various psychological interventions aimed at mitigating the severity of depressive symptoms, especially in developing nations. In the context of Pakistan, there exists a notable dearth of research addressing this issue and introducing remedial measures to bridge this gap. To fill this void, a double-blind, parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted with the primary objective of assessing the impact of Metacognitive Training for Depression (D-MCT) on the severity of depressive symptoms when compared to the conventional treatment approach (Treatment as Usual, TAU).

Methods: This study followed a parallel, two-arm, double-blind design, employing a feasibility approach within a randomized controlled trial framework and incorporating pre- and post-intervention assessments. A total of 60 participants, comprising 30 individuals in the experimental group and 30 in the control group, were enlisted from psychiatric departments at multiple hospitals in the Rawalpindi and Islamabad regions between July and November 2022. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of metacognitive training for depression (D-MCT) in reducing depressive symptoms while also evaluating its impact on metacognition, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. This evaluation was conducted using a two-way factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA).Top of Form

Results: The results of this investigation demonstrated that, when compared to the conventional treatment approach, Metacognitive Training for Depression (D-MCT) exhibited greater efficacy in reducing the severity of depressive symptoms and mitigating maladaptive metacognitive patterns among individuals suffering from depression. Additionally, the findings indicated that D-MCT significantly enhanced both the quality of life and mental well-being of patients dealing with depression.

Conclusion: The introduction of the D-MCT intervention for depression patients in Pakistan represents a pioneering step in enhancing the treatment of depression within the country. This study marks the inception of a promising avenue for professionals to enhance depression management through this innovative intervention.