title: Long-term effects of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy in generalized anxiety disorder: 12-month follow-up.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In a previous randomized controlled trial (RCT), short-term efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was demonstrated. In this article, long-term stability of these effects will be examined. Effects of CBT and STPP will be compared.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the original RCT, patients with GAD were treated with either CBT (n = 29) or STPP (n = 28). Treatments were carried out according to manuals and included up to 30 sessions. As the primary outcome measure the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale was used. In addition to short-term outcome previously reported, treatment effects were assessed 12 months after termination of treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both CBT and STPP yielded large improvements at 12-month follow-up. No significant differences were found between treatments concerning the primary outcome measure. This result was corroborated by 3 self-report measures of anxiety. However, in measures of trait anxiety and worry, CBT was superior. Concerning depression, differences reported at posttreatment were no longer significant at 12-month follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In GAD, both CBT and STPP yield large and stable effects 12 months after treatment. Concerning trait anxiety and worry, CBT seems to be superior. For STPP, further studies should be carried out to confirm the results.
authors: Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.
authors: Simone
authors: S
authors: Salzer
authors: Christel
authors: C
authors: Winkelbach
authors: Frank
authors: F
authors: Leweke
authors: Eric
authors: E
authors: Leibing
authors: Falk
authors: F
authors: Leichsenring
mesh_terms: D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief; D016896:Treatment Outcome