Psychology

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Applied Relaxation for Adults With Generalized Anxiety Disorder

M. J. Dugas, P. Brillon, et al.

This randomized clinical trial of 65 adults with primary generalized anxiety disorder compared cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) based on the intolerance-of-uncertainty model, applied relaxation (AR), and wait-list control (WL). Both manualized treatments were 12 weekly 1-hour sessions with standardized clinician and self-report assessments through 24 months. At posttest CBT was superior and showed continued improvement over follow-up, favoring CBT over AR. Research conducted by Michel J. Dugas, Pascale Brillon, Pierre Savard, Julie Turcotte, Adrienne Gaudet, Robert Ladouceur, Renée Leblanc, and Nicole J. Gervais.

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Index

Abstract

This randomized clinical trial compared cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), applied relaxation (AR), and wait-list control (WL) in 65 adults with primary generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). CBT was based on the intolerance of uncertainty model; AR was based on general anxiety-reduction strategies. Both manualized treatments comprised 12 weekly 1-hour sessions. Standardized clinician ratings and self-report measures assessed GAD and related symptoms at pretest, posttest, and 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups. At posttest, CBT was superior to WL across several outcomes; AR was marginally superior to WL; CBT was marginally superior to AR. Over follow-up, CBT and AR were equivalent in direct comparisons, but only CBT showed continued improvement. Comparisons against WL and no-change over follow-up favored CBT over AR.

Publisher

Behavior Therapy

Published On

Authors

Michel J. Dugas, Pascale Brillon, Pierre Savard, Julie Turcotte, Adrienne Gaudet, Robert Ladouceur, Renée Leblanc, Nicole J. Gervais

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2008.12.004

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