Researchers tested whether group metacognitive therapy could help students with anxiety. The therapy focuses on changing unhelpful thinking patterns about worry itself. The study involved students at a university clinic in Oslo who had anxiety disorders or high anxiety scores. They received the group therapy as part of routine care.
After treatment, students reported large reductions in their anxiety, worry, and depressive symptoms. Their negative beliefs about worrying also decreased. About 77% of participants showed improvement or recovery. These benefits were still present when checked three months later.
No safety issues were reported, but the study did not specifically track side effects. The main reason for caution is the study's design. It was small, took place at only one clinic, and had no comparison group to show if the therapy itself caused the improvements or if other factors were involved.
This research suggests this type of group therapy might be helpful for students in similar settings. However, because it's an early study with limitations, the results should be seen as promising but not yet definitive. More research with stronger designs is needed to confirm the findings.