Acceptance-Based Behavioral Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

1041 Words3 Pages

Acceptance-based behavior therapy is used for individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder which occurs in individuals who suffer from chronic, uncontrollable worry causing them to make decisions based on reducing anxiety, rather than partaking in meaningful activities. Acceptance-Based Behavioral Therapy helps reduce those negative decisions by developing more accepting relationships with internal responses to maintain anxiety. Acceptance-Based Behavioral Therapy targets adults between the ages of 15-64 generally consisting of 16 sessions focusing on understanding the model using cognitive behavioral techniques to practice mindfulness in various aspects of their lives (Roemer, Lizabeth. 2007). The first study design was the Randomized Clinical …show more content…

It also enhanced recognizing early signs of anxiety. Applied Relaxation consisted of a 3 phases totaling in 16 sessions. Phase 1 focused on muscle relaxation training, Phase 2 focused on apply relaxation to early signs of anxiety, and Phase 3 (last 3 sessions) focused on relapse prevention and strategies to maintain gains (Hayes-Skelton, Sarah 2013). The outcome measures used in this study was the Generalized Anxiety Clinician Severity Rating, Structured Interview Guide for Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Penn State Worry Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and State Trait Anxiety Inventory along with second outcome measures including Quality of Life Inventory. Major findings of the study design was that Acceptance therapy did not lead to a significant decrease in depression, comorbid conditions, nor did it increase the quality of life in individuals compared to those receiving therapy using Applied Relaxation (Hayes-Skelton, Sarah 2013). Applied Relaxation was viewed as more simple for dissemination but unyielding and time-consuming for clients …show more content…

The models used for comparison in this intervention was emotion regulation difficulties, intolerance of uncertainty, and low perceptions of control (Treanor, Michael. 2011). The sample included 31 participants randomly assigned to either treatment. The participants must had to have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, have no current suicidal ideation, must not meet the criteria for Bipolar Disorder, substance dependence, or psychotic disorder, and be of 18 years of age or older. Of the 31 sample, 22 were female and 27 identified as Caucasian, one African American, one Asian, and two Latinos. Treatment consisted of 16 session for Acceptance behavior therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Early session focused on psychoeducation to understand the client’s struggles eventually focusing on the role of judgment, understanding experimental avoidance, and learning mindfulness exercises. The outcome measures were completed at pre- and post-treatment at a 3- and 9-month follow up and those measures included the Affective Control Scale, Differences in Emotion Regulation Scale, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Anxiety Control Questionnaire-Revised, Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for DSM-IV, and the Penn State Questionnaire. The major findings of this research was that compared to waitlist participants, treatment condition participants

Open Document