Efficacy and Underlying Mechanisms of Group-Based Natural Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorder

Efficacy and Underlying Mechanisms of Group-Based Natural Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorder

This study aims to preliminarily explore the intervention effect and feasibility of group natural psychotherapy (a new Eastern culture-based psychotherapy method) for patients with anxiety disorder through a randomized controlled trial.

This study aims to preliminarily explore the intervention effect and feasibility of group natural psychotherapy (a new Eastern culture-based psychotherapy method) for patients with anxiety disorder through a randomized controlled trial. The specific objectives include:

1. Verify the efficacy of group natural psychotherapy: Compare the differences between group natural psychotherapy and conventional treatment in alleviating anxiety and improving the quality of life of patients with anxiety disorder.
2. Evaluate the feasibility of the intervention program: Examine the operability, patient acceptance, and compliance of implementing group natural psychotherapy intervention in a real - clinical environment.
3. Combine cognitive paradigms and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology to explore the cognitive - neural mechanisms of natural psychotherapy in the intervention of anxiety disorder.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Meet the diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders in the DSM - 5;
2. Aged between 15 and 55 years old;
3. Have a junior high school education or above;
4. The patient agrees to participate in this project and signs the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Have comorbidities of other severe mental disorders (including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder);
2. Have a lifetime history of substance abuse;
3. Patients with severe neurological diseases, mental retardation, and cognitive impairment;
4. At high risk of suicide or have suicidal behavior;
5. Pregnant or breastfeeding;
6. Have severe physical diseases and infectious diseases.