Explanatory attributions of anxiety and recovery in a study of kava.
OBJECTIVE
A need exists to understand illness attribution and treatment beliefs among those seeking botanical treatment for anxiety. The objectives of this study are to evaluate explanatory beliefs about reasons for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and to evaluate the extent to which subjects thought different approaches might be most helpful, in a study of botanical treatment.


METHODS
Post hoc analysis of data from two similarly randomized controlled clinical trails.


METHODS
Psychiatric research clinic in an academic medical center.


METHODS
Fifty-one (51) outpatients participating in two randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials of kava in GAD.


METHODS
Kava and placebo.


METHODS
Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Global Improvement Scale.


RESULTS
Subjects thought their conditions were largely related to personality factors, stressful life experiences, or cognitive patterns. These beliefs correlated positively with treatment response, whereas endorsement of belief in an energy imbalance or biologic abnormality correlated negatively with improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
Subjects felt more strongly that cognitive patterns, personality and stress were causative of their GAD and of greatest relevance to recovery. Biologic/genetic factors were somewhat relevant, whereas the importance of energy imbalance and spiritual/religious factors were minimal. When treating patients, it is important to consider the patient's belief systems regarding the disorder, as well as credibility of treatment.
Abraham
Kurian C
KC
Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Connor
Kathryn M
KM
Davidson
Jonathan R T
JR
D000328:Adult; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020901:Kava; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011788:Quality of Life; D029181:Spirituality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts