Well-being therapy of generalized anxiety disorder.
BACKGROUND
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.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Fava
Giovanni A
GA
Affective Disorders Program and Laboratory of Experimental Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, IT-40127 Bologna, Italy. giovanniandrea.fava@unibo.it
Ruini
Chiara
C
Rafanelli
Chiara
C
Finos
Livio
L
Salmaso
Luigi
L
Mangelli
Lara
L
Sirigatti
Saulo
S
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires