Psychological therapy based on CBT principles is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms for short-term treatment of GAD .
The body of evidence comparing CBT with other psychological therapies is small and heterogeneous , which precludes drawing conclusions about which psychological therapy is more effective .
BACKGROUND Generalised anxiety disorder ( GAD ) is a highly prevalent condition , characterised by excessive worry or anxiety about everyday events and problems .
The effectiveness and effectiveness of psychological therapies as a group has not yet been evaluated in the treatment of GAD .
OBJECTIVES To examine the efficacy and acceptability of psychological therapies , categorised as cognitive behavioural therapy ( CBT ) , psychodynamic therapy and supportive therapy , compared with treatment as usual/waiting list ( TAU/WL ) and compared with one another , for patients with GAD .
Distressed high utilizers of medical care. DSM-III-R diagnoses and treatment needs.
Among a sample of 767 high utilizers of health care , 51 % were identified as distressed by an elevated score on the SCL anxiety and depression scales , the SCL somatization scale , or by their primary -care physician . These distressed high utilizers were found to have a high prevalence of chronic medical problems and significant limitation of activities caused by illness . In the prior year , they made an average of 15 medical visits and 15 telephone calls to the clinic . The Diagnostic Interview Schedule was completed on 119 distressed high utilizers r and omly assigned to an intervention group in a controlled trial of psychiatric consultation . The following DSM-III-R disorders were most common : major depression 23.5 % , dysthymic disorder 16.8 % , generalized anxiety disorder 21.8 % , and somatization disorder 20.2 % . Two thirds had a lifetime history of major depression . The examination result ed in an improved diagnostic assessment for 40 % of intervention patients and a revised treatment plan for 67 %
Psychological therapy based on CBT principles is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms for short-term treatment of GAD .
The body of evidence comparing CBT with other psychological therapies is small and heterogeneous , which precludes drawing conclusions about which psychological therapy is more effective .
BACKGROUND Generalised anxiety disorder ( GAD ) is a highly prevalent condition , characterised by excessive worry or anxiety about everyday events and problems .
The effectiveness and effectiveness of psychological therapies as a group has not yet been evaluated in the treatment of GAD .
OBJECTIVES To examine the efficacy and acceptability of psychological therapies , categorised as cognitive behavioural therapy ( CBT ) , psychodynamic therapy and supportive therapy , compared with treatment as usual/waiting list ( TAU/WL ) and compared with one another , for patients with GAD .