Worry Exposure for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of a worry exposure intervention, a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), in comparison to a waitlist condition for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. There will be a total of 60 subjects enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin. Patients will be randomized (like a flip of a coin) to either 12-sessions of WE therapy or a 12-week waitlist before being offered entry into therapy.

This application proposes a randomized controlled trial, which aims to examine the efficacy of a worry exposure (WE) intervention for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This protocol is based on a GAD treatment manual first tested in Germany. It has been translated into English, but this version has not yet been tested.

A growing body of research calls for the development of novel interventions for individuals with GAD. GAD is a chronic and debilitating condition with high rates of recurrence, with a lifetime prevalence of 5.7%. Although efficacious psychological interventions exist, many are either not receiving these interventions or remain highly symptomatic following the termination of these interventions. More specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the only empirically supported treatment for GAD. However, many patients relapse or continue to experience significant symptoms after treatment. Up to 57% of patients do not meet criteria for high endstate functioning after CBT. Together, these findings call for the development of better interventions that are efficacious and easy to disseminate.

The core symptom of GAD is persistent and uncontrollable worry, which allows the individual a way to cognitively avoid perceived threats and emotionally dangerous situations. One study examined the efficacy of WE alone, applied relaxation (AR) alone, and a WL control group, finding that WE was an effective treatment for GAD, concluding that WE should be developed further. Given other areas of avoidance for patients with GAD, the authors recommended adding in vivo exposure in future trials.

The present application proposes to test WE with the addition of in vivo exposure in the United States as an effective treatment for GAD. The present study involves the randomization of 60 adults with GAD to either (1) 12-sessions of WE therapy or (2) a 12-week waitlist (WL), before entering into therapy. The authors hypothesize that participants in the WE intervention will evidence greater reductions in anxiety symptom severity and measures of quality of life relative to individuals randomized to the WL.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* be between 18 and 65 years of age
* principal diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
* be willing to and capable of providing informed consent, attending all study visits, and complying with the protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* current diagnosis of a psychotic, developmental, or bipolar disorder
* significant suicide risk as determined by structured interview
* psychoactive substance dependence within the past 3 months
* Inability to communicate in English
* limited mental competency and the inability to give informed, voluntary, written consent to participate
* psychotropic medications are acceptable only if they are stabilized for at least 3 weeks prior to the baseline visit