The Effect of a Psychoeducational Course on Hypochondriacal Metacognition

Abstract

Recently, it has become apparent that a metacognitive perspective may contribute to the understanding and treatment of psychopathology. In this study, the effect of a cognitive-behavioural psychoeducational group treatment for hypochondriasis on metacognitive aspects was examined. Furthermore, it was studied whether earlier found beneficial effects of the course on hypochondriacal complaints, depressive complaints and trait anxiety could be replicated. A total of 35 participants were randomized into either an immediate treatment group (n = 20), or a waiting list control group (n = 15). The participants in the waiting list control group were enrolled in the treatment after a period of 6 weeks. Results showed that the course had an effect on all subscales of the Metacognition-Cognitions about Health Anxiety questionnaire. Furthermore, in line with previous findings, the course proved to be effective in decreasing hypochondriacal complaints, depressive complaints and trait anxiety. It may be concluded that cognitive-behavioural psychoeducational treatment, in which a metacognitive level is implicitly addressed, shows beneficial effect on metacognitive aspects and hypochondriacal complaints.