Comparison of Metacognitive Beliefs in Depressed, Obsessive - Compulsive and Healthy Groups

Metacognition is considered as an important factor in the genesis and continuation of various psychological disorders, particularly obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. The aim of this study was comparison of Metacognitive beliefs in Major depression disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and healthy groups. A total of 50 depressive patients and 49 OCD patients were selected by available sampling from the patients referred to psychiatric clinic of Bozorgmehr and consulting centers of Tabriz. The control group consisted of 51 matched individuals selected from students and staff of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. All patients were asked to complete Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Maudsley obsessive-compulsive Inventory (MOCI) and Metacognitive Questionnaire (MCQ-30). Both OCD and MDD groups showed significant difference with healthy group in metacognition total score and all subscales (P<0.001). MDD group had a significant difference with OCD group only in general negative beliefs and metacognition total score (P<0.05). Overall, the results of this study indicate that depression and obsessive- compulsive disorder are associated with disturbed Metacognitive beliefs.