Group cognitive-behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder: treatment outcome and long-term follow-up.
A recently developed cognitive-behavioral treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) targets intolerance of uncertainty by the reevaluation of positive beliefs about worry, problem-solving training, and cognitive exposure. As previous studies have established the treatment's efficacy when delivered individually, the present study tests the treatment in a group format as a way to enhance its cost-benefit ratio. A total of 52 GAD patients received 14 sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy in small groups of 4 to 6 participants. A wait-list control design was used, and standardized clinician ratings and self-report questionnaires assessed GAD symptoms, intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety, depression, and social adjustment. Results show that the treatment group, relative to the wait-list group, had greater posttest improvement on all dependent variables and that treated participants made further gains over the 2-year follow-up phase of the study.
Dugas
Michel J
MJ
Department of Psychology, Centre for Research in Human Development, Concordia University and Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. dugas@vax2.concordia.ca
Ladouceur
Robert
R
Léger
Eliane
E
Freeston
Mark H
MH
Langlois
Frédéric
F
Provencher
Martin D
MD
Boisvert
Jean-Marie
JM
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome