Metacognitive capacity as a predictor of insight in first-episode psychosis

J Nerv Ment Dis. 2015 May;203(5):372-8. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000291.

Abstract

Impaired insight is common in the first episode of psychosis (FEP). Although considerable research has examined the factors that are associated with impaired insight in chronic psychosis, less is known about the factors that underlie and sustain poor insight in FEP. Impaired metacognition, or the ability to form integrated representations of self and others, is a promising potential contributor to poor insight in FEP. To explore this possibility, the authors assessed insight and metacognition in 40 individuals with FEP and then examined the relationship between these areas and social cognition domains, neurocognitive domains, and psychotic symptoms. Correlation analyses revealed that improved insight was associated with higher metacognition, better vocabulary and Theory of Mind scores, and fewer symptoms. The domain of metacognitive mastery also predicted clinical insight. Results support the need to develop an integrative therapeutic approach focused on improving metacognition, hence addressing poor insight in FEP.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Awareness*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Executive Function*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data
  • Prognosis
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychometrics
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology*
  • Psychotic Disorders / therapy
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis*
  • Schizophrenia / therapy
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Self Concept*
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Theory of Mind*
  • Young Adult