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Well-Being Therapy of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

2004; Karger Publishers; Volume: 74; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1159/000082023

1423-0348

Giovanni A. Fava, Chiara Ruini, Chiara Rafanelli, Livio Finos, Luigi Salmaso, Lara Mangelli, Saulo Sirigatti,

Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions

<i>Background:</i> There is increasing awareness that the goal of treatment in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) should not simply be a response, but restoration of normal function. The aim of this study was to apply a novel psychotherapeutic approach for increasing the level of remission in GAD. <i>Methods:</i> Twenty patients with DSM-IV GAD devoid of comorbid conditions were randomly assigned to 8 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or the sequential administration of 4 sessions of CBT followed by other 4 sessions of well-being therapy (WBT). Assessment methods included the Anxiety and Depression Scales of Paykel’s Clinical Interview for Depression, Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scales and Kellner’s Symptom Questionnaire. A one-year follow-up was undertaken. <i>Results:</i> Significant advantages of the CBT-WBT sequential combination over CBT only were observed with both observer and self-rated methods after treatment. Such gains were maintained at follow-up. <i>Conclusions:</i> These preliminary results suggest the feasibility and clinical advantages of adding WBT to the treatment of GAD. They lend support to a sequential use of treatment components for achieving a more sustained recovery.