The nonpharmacologic treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.
This article describes the latest nonpharmacologic therapies for generalized anxiety disorder. In addition, a review of available nonpharmacologic treatment outcome studies and studies that compare the efficacy of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment is presented. The authors conclude that, of the nonpharmacologic therapies available, cognitive-behavioral therapy may be the preferred first-line treatment. Results of comparison studies have suggested that medication acts more quickly than does therapy in reducing symptoms, whereas therapy has more long-lasting effects. The authors recommend that further research be conducted in identifying the essential components of treatment and the most efficacious treatment combinations.
National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
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Falsetti
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Davis
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*