Cognitive processes of generalized anxiety disorder in comorbid generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder.
This study examines how cognitive variables, which play a central role in the development and maintenance of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), manifest themselves when GAD and major depressive disorder (MDD) are comorbid. Thirty-two participants were divided into two groups, a group of individuals with a principal diagnosis of comorbid GAD and MDD and a group of people with a principal diagnosis of GAD without MDD. Groups were compared using four cognitive variables: intolerance of uncertainty, poor problem orientation, cognitive avoidance, and beliefs about worry. Our results show that the group of individuals with a principal diagnosis of comorbid GAD and MDD were more intolerant of uncertainty, presented poorer problem orientation, and displayed more cognitive avoidance. The cognitive implications of these results are discussed, and diagnostic criteria are presented to facilitate the differential diagnosis between both groups.
Dupuy
Jean-Bernard
JB
School of Psychology, Laval University, Québec, Canada G1K 7P4. jbd_7@hotmail.com
Ladouceur
Robert
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003071:Cognition; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003469:Culture; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020280:Sertraline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D020280:Sertraline