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

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.