Metacognitive therapy versus cognitive–behavioral therapy in adults with generalized anxiety disorder: A 9‐year follow‐up study

Abstract

Abstract Objective Metacognitive therapy (MCT) and cognitive–behavior therapy (CBT) are effective treatments for generalized anxiety disorder. In this study, we followed‐up patients who had previously participated in a randomized controlled trial of MCT compared against CBT. Method We collected 9‐year follow‐up data on 39 out of 60 original patients (i.e., 65% response rate). Results At 9 years, the recovery rates were 57% for MCT and 38% for CBT (completer analysis). Following MCT, 43% maintained their recovery status and a further 14% achieved recovery. Following CBT, the sustained recovery rate was 13%, while a further 25% achieved recovery. Patients in the MCT condition showed significantly more improvement with respect to symptoms of worry and anxiety. In the CBT group, 23.1% were re‐diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) compared with 9.5% in the MCT group. Conclusions This follow‐up study showed a continuation of gains in both treatments at long‐term follow‐up, but with outcomes continuing to favor MCT and strengthening its comparative superiority.

Keywords

• anxiety disorders
• cognitive–behavioral therapy
• generalized anxiety disorder
• long‐term follow‐up
• metacognitive therapy
• randomized controlled trial