A novel procedure for generalized anxiety disorder where an odorant cue is paired with the state of deep relaxation during training. It is hypothesized that by smelling the odor in an anxiety-provoking situation, the patient will more easily invoke a state of relaxation, providing greater relief from the distressing tension and worry that characterize GAD.

We hypothesize that by presenting a novel odor to a patient in a state of deep relaxation, the odor will serve as a conditioned inhibitory stimulus, or safety signal, in anxiety-provoking situations. With the odor serving as a contextual cue for the state of relaxation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• GAD without a comorbid active major psychiatric disorder.
• GAD must be the primary active psychiatric disorder.
• GAD determined via the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant medical illness that might interfere with the relaxation therapy or with training using the odorant.
• Actively abusing alcohol.
• Illicit substances.
• Currently using rapid-acting anxiolytic agents (e.g. benzodiazepines, hydroxyzine).
• Started an antidepressant, antipsychotic or mood stabilizing agent within three months of screening visit.