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

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF JYVASKYLA · Aug 21, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a program called Metacognitive Skills Training (MCT), which aims to help people with psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia and related conditions, improve their social skills and understanding of their own thinking. The training consists of ten group sessions where participants will engage in exercises and discussions about topics such as empathy and decision-making biases. Researchers believe that by reducing certain thinking patterns, like jumping to conclusions, this training could lead to fewer symptoms like delusions and paranoia, and ultimately help in reducing risky behaviors.

To participate in this study, individuals must be diagnosed with a psychosis spectrum disorder and be able to speak Finnish, as the study materials are in that language. Those with severe functional impairments or cognitive difficulties that impact daily life may not be eligible. Participants can expect to take part in group sessions aimed at enhancing their social and cognitive skills, with the hope of seeing improvements in their mood and overall psychological well-being over time. The trial is currently recruiting participants, and all genders are welcome.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria (patients):
• • Willingness to participate in a scientific study
• • Diagnosis of a psychosis spectrum disorder
• • Finnish language skills due to questionnaires and psychological tests being in Finnish
• Exclusion Criteria (patients):
• • Psychosis that severely deteriorates the ability to function
• • Cognitive problems that severely deteriorate the ability to function
• • Guardianship established for personal matters
• Inclusion Criteria (non-patient controls):
• • Willingness to participate in a scientific study
• • Self-assessed sufficient Finnish language skills due to questionnaires and psychological tests being in Finnish
• Exclusion Criteria (non-patient controls):
• • Diagnosis of a psychosis spectrum disorder
• • Cognitive problems that severely interferes with functioning