Metacognitive Therapy for Anxiety Disorders: a Review of Recent Advances and Future Research Directions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review describes (a) key features of the metacognitive model as they relate to anxiety and related disorders, (b) central components of metacognitive therapy (MCT), (c) the current empirical status of MCT, (d) recent developments, (e) controversies and (f) future research directions.

RECENT FINDINGS

Evidence is accumulating that MCT is effective for anxiety and related disorders. Emerging evidence suggests that MCT may be effective with children and adolescents and compares well to other evidence-supported treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy and mindfulness-based approaches. Evidence for distinct mechanisms across therapies is mixed. While MCT appears to be effective for anxiety and related disorders, more research is required to evaluate (a) efficacy and unique (vs. common) mechanisms of change compared to other therapies, (b) effectiveness for children and adolescents, (c) alternative delivery methods (e.g., via internet, group vs. individual), (d) transdiagnostic impacts and (e) applications to a broader array of disorders.