Efficacy of an Acceptance-based Group Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of an Acceptance-based Behavioral Therapy With Mindfulness and Exposure Interventions for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) shows the weakest treatment response among anxiety disorders. The present study aimed at examining whether an acceptance-based behavioral treatment, combining mindfulness and exposure strategies, would improve clinical outcome compared to a standard, non-directive, supportive group therapy (NDST) for clients at a Brazilian anxiety disorders program.

Ninety-two individuals diagnosed with GAD were randomized to receive 10 sessions of either an acceptance-based behavior therapy (ABBT) or a Non-directive support Therapy (NDST). Assessments were at pretreatment, mid term, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up.Data were analyzed using the Mixed effect regression models comparing both groups in primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures and putative process variables were assessed and also analyzed. The latter were tested as mediators of efficacy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Literate,
• GAD-diagnosed
• 18-65 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Bipolar disorder (or any past maniac episodes),
• Psychosis,
• Substance dependence (apart from those abstemious for 3 months or more, considered as initial remission by DSM 5 - APA, 2015),
• High suicide risks according to the MINI - International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI; Sheehan et al., 1998).
• Participants under pharmacological treatment for GAD whose medication dosage had not been stable for a minimum of three months prior to the beginning of the study.