Well-Being Therapy of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

TLDR

Generalized anxiety disorder treatment is increasingly viewed as aiming for restoration of normal function rather than merely symptom response. This study aimed to evaluate whether adding well‑being therapy to cognitive behavioral therapy increases remission rates in GAD. Twenty DSM‑IV GAD patients without comorbidities were randomized to eight CBT sessions or a sequential four‑session CBT followed by four well‑being therapy sessions, with outcomes measured by Paykel’s Anxiety and Depression Scales, Ryff’s Well‑being Scales, and Kellner’s Symptom Questionnaire and followed up after one year. The CBT‑WBT sequence produced significantly greater observer‑ and self‑rated improvements than CBT alone, with gains sustained at one‑year follow‑up, supporting the feasibility and clinical benefit of sequentially adding well‑being therapy to GAD treatment.

Abstract

<i>Background:</i> There is increasing awareness that the goal of treatment in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) should not simply be a response, but restoration of normal function. The aim of this study was to apply a novel psychotherapeutic approach for increasing the level of remission in GAD. <i>Methods:</i> Twenty patients with DSM-IV GAD devoid of comorbid conditions were randomly assigned to 8 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or the sequential administration of 4 sessions of CBT followed by other 4 sessions of well-being therapy (WBT). Assessment methods included the Anxiety and Depression Scales of Paykel’s Clinical Interview for Depression, Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scales and Kellner’s Symptom Questionnaire. A one-year follow-up was undertaken. <i>Results:</i> Significant advantages of the CBT-WBT sequential combination over CBT only were observed with both observer and self-rated methods after treatment. Such gains were maintained at follow-up. <i>Conclusions:</i> These preliminary results suggest the feasibility and clinical advantages of adding WBT to the treatment of GAD. They lend support to a sequential use of treatment components for achieving a more sustained recovery.