The effectiveness of Metacognitive therapy to improve verbal memory and working memory in veterans with PTSD

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Metacognitive therapy (MCT) on working memory and verbal memory in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients. Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental research was conducted with pre-posttest design with control groups. The statistical population consisted all patients with a diagnosis of PTSD were referred to the center therapy in Esfahan and Najafabad city. For this purpose, 30 patients with PTSD were selected with available sampling and were randomly divided to an experimental and control group. All patients were assessed by demographic information Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Wechsler test of verbal memory WMS-II & N-backat pre and posttest. The experimental group received 8 Metacognitive therapy sessions. Analysis of covariance showed that at post test, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in working memory, and verbal memory(P<0.05). Also the experimental group did not show significant differences in the components of a simple verbal memory and second level of working memory. According to the findings about the effect of Metacognitive therapy on improves working memory and verbal memory, the treatment can be used for patients with posttraumatic stress disorder.