A multifaith spiritually based intervention for generalized anxiety disorder: a pilot randomized trial.
This pilot trial evaluated the efficacy of a multifaith spiritually based intervention (SBI) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for GAD of at least moderate severity were randomized to either 12 sessions of the SBI (n=11) delivered by a spiritual care counselor or 12 sessions of psychologist-administered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT; n=11). Outcome measures were completed at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. Primary efficacy measures included the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Penn State Worry Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed on the intent-to-treat sample using the Last Observation Carried Forward method. Eighteen patients (82%) completed the study. The SBI produced robust and clinically significant reductions from baseline in psychic and somatic symptoms of GAD and was comparable in efficacy to CBT. A reduction in depressive symptoms and improvement in social adjustment was also observed. Treatment response occurred in 63.6% of SBI-treated and 72.3% of CBT-treated patients. Gains were maintained at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. These preliminary findings are encouraging and suggest that a multifaith SBI may be an effective treatment option for GAD. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the efficacy of this intervention.
Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. dkoszyck@uottawa.ca
Diana
D
Koszycki
Kelley
K
Raab
Fahad
F
Aldosary
Jacques
J
Bradwejn
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057194:Intention to Treat Analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome