Metacognitive Interpersonal Group Therapy for Adolescents With Personality Disorders: Results From the METAMIND-A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

AIM: This pilot RCT evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of Metacognitive Interpersonal Group Therapy for Adolescents (MIT-GA) compared with waiting list plus treatment-as-usual (WL+TAU).

METHODS

One hundred adolescents (14-18 years) meeting DSM-IV criteria for PDs (excluding antisocial PD) were randomized to MIT-GA or WL+TAU for 4 months. Primary outcomes included treatment acceptability, psychosocial functioning (CGAS, IIP-64), and symptom severity (SCL-90-R GSI). Secondary outcomes were depression (Y-BDI), caregiver stress (PSS), and parental self-efficacy (BPSES). Mechanisms of change included metacognition (MAS-A), alexithymia (TAS-20), and impulsivity (BIS-11).

RESULTS

MIT-GA participants showed greater improvements in psychosocial functioning ( d = 0.80) and parental stress ( d = 0.65) versus WL+TAU. No significant between-group differences were found in overall symptom severity. MIT-GA also improved metacognition, alexithymia, and attentional impulsivity. No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the feasibility and potential utility of MIT-GA for adolescents with PDs.