MCT has shown to be an effective treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in an individual format, however less is known about the effectiveness of group-MCT. Haset et al (2019) evaluated the feasibility of group MCT as well as provides preliminary results on the effectiveness of group-MCT. 

23 patients with GAD completed 10 sessions (90 minutes) of group-MCT. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire battery at pre-treatment, post-treatment and 3-month follow up. At pre-treatment 73.9% of patients had at least one comorbid axis-I disorder. 

32 patients were eligible to take part however six patients declined group MCT in favour of individual MCT, and three were unable to attend the group sessions due to scheduling conflicts. No patients dropped out during treatment. Group MCT significantly decreased worry, anxiety, depression, metacognitive beliefs, and maladaptive coping. In addition, at post-treatment 65.3% were classified as recovered and 30.4% were improved. 

Group-MCT for GAD is an acceptable treatment which may prove to be a cost-effective alternative to individual treatment however further large scale trials are required. 

Click here for the full article: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00290