Low cognitive performance in patients with early onset psychosis interferes with the benefit of metacognitive therapy
A study coordinated by the UAB discovers that low cognitive performance in patients with recent-onset psychosis is an obstacle to bringing about changes in attributional biases following metacognitive intervention.
Within the framework of the University Master's Degree in General Health Psychology, the dissertation entitled "Influence of cognition on the attributional style of patients with recent-onset psychosis who receive Meta-Cognitive Training (MCT)" carried out by the student Anabella Grossi Baptista and tutored by Professor Ana Barajas Vélez, received an honourable mention.
The study has been carried out on patients diagnosed with short-term psychosis from nine health centres in Spain. The aim of the research was to study how cognition influences the effectiveness MCT in terms of attributional style, in other words, the characteristic way individuals explain causality of events.
Psychotic spectrum disorders are often accompanied by cognitive deficits that complicate responses to available treatments. Moreover, a biased attributional style, contributing to psychosis maintenance, is commonly observed.
Results revealed that the average baseline cognitive performance of the 63 study participants was below population average. They also exhibited a dysfunctional way of attributing the cause of social events prior to metacognitive intervention, with no significant changes observed in attributional style after treatment. The study concludes that low cognitive performance in individuals with recent-onset psychosis affects the benefit of MCT, as there is a relationship observed between low cognitive performance prior to metacognitive intervention and the absence of changes in attributional style following MCT.
These findings are clinically relevant since cognitive deficits are prevalent in patients with psychotic spectrum disorders and hinder treatment responses. The research results suggest the importance of individualizing treatment and guide clinical psychology professionals towards comprehensive interventions considering prior cognitive performance before implementing MCT in individuals with low cognitive profiles. These personalized interventions, tailored to each patient's needs, will facilitate a better response to MCT in terms of cognitive biases and, specifically, attributional style.
The study contributes to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies by considering each individual's cognitive deficits to promote effective early intervention, reduce chronicity, and improve prognosis in individuals with recent-onset psychosis.
The research, conducted between February 2023 and January 2024, was carried out thanks to the guidance of psychologist and professor Ana Barajas Vélez, from the Department of Clinical Psychology and Health at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. The supervision provided by Dr. Barajas, a prominent researcher in the field of psychotic disorders and psychological treatments such as Metacognitive Training, was essential for the development and quality of this research. Currently, she is the Principal Investigator of a clinical trial titled “Benefits of combining Metacognitive Training (MCT) with Cognitive Remediation (CR) in the recovery of patients with psychotic spectrum disorders”, funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation (ref. no.: PID2020-118907RA-I00), to assess the capacity of a cognitive rehabilitation program (REHACOP program) to enhance the benefits of MCT in patients showing cognitive deficits.
"As a student, conducting this empirical work has been a significant challenge in my academic journey. It has been a process of great learning, enriching and rewarding thanks to Dr. Barajas' support. Her guidance and experience in the field of research have allowed me to perform a good methodological work, as well as to carry out an accurate interpretation of the study results. My tutor's dedication and commitment have been fundamental for the development of this work" (Anabella Grossi).
"As the tutor and supervisor of the Master's Final Project of student Anabella Grossi Baptista, within the framework of the Master's Degree in General Health Psychology, I want to highlight the student's work capacity, as well as her dedication and motivation in the research conducted, all qualities that have contributed to the quality of the work carried out" (Dr. Barajas).