Efficacy of an acceptance-based behavior therapy for generalized anxiety disorder: Evaluation in a randomized controlled trial.

TLDR

Generalized anxiety disorder is a chronic condition marked by comorbidity, quality‑of‑life impairment, and heightened reactivity to and avoidance of internal experiences, underscoring the need for improved psychosocial treatments. The study examined the efficacy of an acceptance‑based behavioral therapy designed to increase acceptance of internal experiences and promote action in valued domains for GAD. Participants were randomized to immediate (n = 15) or delayed (n = 16) treatment. Acceptance‑based behavior therapy produced significant, sustained reductions in GAD and depressive symptoms, with 78 % of participants no longer meeting GAD criteria and 77 % achieving high end‑state functioning, alongside decreases in experiential avoidance and increases in mindfulness.

Abstract

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic anxiety disorder, associated with comorbidity and impairment in quality of life, for which improved psychosocial treatments are needed. GAD is also associated with reactivity to and avoidance of internal experiences. The current study examined the efficacy of an acceptance-based behavioral therapy aimed at increasing acceptance of internal experiences and encouraging action in valued domains for GAD. Clients were randomly assigned to immediate (n = 15) or delayed (n = 16) treatment. Acceptance-based behavior therapy led to statistically significant reductions in clinician-rated and self-reported GAD symptoms that were maintained at 3- and 9-month follow-up assessments; significant reductions in depressive symptoms were also observed. At posttreatment assessment 78% of treated participants no longer met criteria for GAD and 77% achieved high end-state functioning; these proportions stayed constant or increased over time. As predicted, treatment was associated with decreases in experiential avoidance and increases in mindfulness.