In the last decade, tremendous progress has been made in understanding and addressing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a prevalent yet long-neglected syndrome associated with substantial functional impairment and reduced life satisfaction. This comprehensive, empirically based volume brings together leading authorities to review the breadth of current knowledge on the phenomenology, etiology, pathological mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of GAD. Provided are psychological and neurobiological models of the disorder that combine cutting-edge research and clinical expertise. Assessment strategies are detailed and promising intervention approaches described in depth, including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, psychodynamic, and pharmacological therapies. Also covered are special issues in the treatment of GAD in children, adolescents, and older adults.

By focusing on the cognitive-behavioral model and treatment options, Dugas and Robichaud present a detailed analysis of the etiology, assessment, and treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: From Science to Practice provides a review of the empirical support for the different models of GAD. It includes a detailed description of the assessment and step-by-step treatment of GAD (including many examples of therapist-client dialogue), data on treatment efficacy in individual and group therapy, and concludes with a description of maintenance and follow-up strategies.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterised by excessive anxiety and worry about everyday concerns such as work, family, relationships, finances, health, and safety. The worry is difficult to control; it lasts months and years rather than hours or days, and is accompanied by a variety of additional symptoms including restlessness, irritability, fatigue, muscle tension, and difficulties concentrating and sleeping. The worry and anxiety in GAD is distressing and disabling. People who worry in a maladaptive way benefit from good, proactive treatment, and that is the focus of this book. It begins by tracing the history of GAD. It then looks at the effectiveness of pharmacological and psychological treatments and favours the latter. In chapter 4, contemporary models of GAD are listed and new developments in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) are explored. This chapter may be particularly applicable to the difficult-to-get-better patient. A clinician's guide to treatment is then presented which covers assessment, formulation, and the beneficial and problematic steps in CBT. Finally there is a patients' treatment manual that can be used as a curriculum for individual or group therapy, or it can be copied and provided to patients to work though on their own. 'Treatment of generalized anxiety disorder' is a short, accessible, and practical guide for any therapist who has to deal with this debilitating problem.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by an excessive and uncontrollable worry. GAD has a highly negative impact on all aspects of life, and the costs for society are considerable. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), delivered face-to- face or online, has been shown to be effective in treating GAD. However, there are still room for improvement, with treatment content and format of delivery being two areas to further investigate. Internet-based treatments are often based on a generic CBT model of GAD and include treatment strategies such as cognitive restructuring and relaxation. Furthermore, the impact of therapist support has shown inconclusive results. Overall, this thesis aimed to evaluate the effects of a new internet-based treatment for GAD, based on acceptance, mindfulness, and valued action, delivered with different types of support. Study I was a small pilot trial with a within-group design. The study included 16 participants diagnosed with GAD who received the newly developed treatment program with weekly therapist support. Statistically significant and large effect sizes were observed on self-rated worry at post-treatment, and the effects were maintained at a three-months follow-up. Study II included 103 participants diagnosed with GAD who were randomized to nine weeks of treatment with the treatment program and weekly support, or a waiting-list control group. Statistically significant moderate to large effects were observed on primary and secondary outcomes in favour of the treatment. The exception was a measure of quality of life, with no significant difference between the two groups. The treatment effects were maintained at a six-months follow-up. Study III was a pilot trial including 33 participants diagnosed with GAD. A within-group design was used to investigate the effects of the treatment program delivered with automated messages and support on demand. Significant and large within-group effects were observed on all outcome measures at post-treatment with the exception of quality of life, for which there was a small effect. Study IV was a pilot factorial design trial that compared the acceptance-based treatment program against a self-tailored treatment, as well as two types of support: scheduled support and support on demand. The study included 85 participants with GAD randomized to four different treatment groups. Significant moderate to large effects were observed in all treatment groups, with no statistically significant differences between the groups on self-rated outcome measures. Receiving scheduled support was rated as more positive than support on demand, and self-tailored treatment was rated as more positive than the acceptance-based treatment. Treatment satisfaction was high in all studies. In conclusion, the studies indicate that an internet-based treatment based on acceptance, mindfulness, and valued action is a viable option in the treatment of GAD. Generaliserat ångestsyndrom (GAD) är ett kroniskt tillstånd som kännetecknas av överdriven och okontrollerbar oro. Internetbaserad kognitiv beteendeterapi (IKBT) har visat sig vara effektiv vid behandling av GAD. Behandlingarna baseras ofta på en traditionell KBT modell med tekniker som kognitiv omstrukturering och avslappning. IKBT inkluderar ofta även stöd från en behandlare, men stödets inverkan på metodens behandlingseffekter har visat på blandade resultat. Det finns det fortfarande mycket att lära om hur behandlingarnas innehåll och grad av behandlarstöd påverkar utfallet. Syftet med avhandlingen var att utvärdera behandlingseffekterna av ett nytt acceptansbaserat behandlingsprogram för GAD, förmedlat via internet, med endera veckovist stöd eller stöd vid behov. De fyra inkluderade studierna visar att behandlingen resulterade i signifikanta effekter på oro, GAD-symtom och komorbida depressiva symtom. Behandlingen var effektivare än kontrollgrupp (väntelista). Vid jämförelse med en aktiv behandling var effekterna likvärdiga. Att förmedla behandlingen med veckovist stöd eller stöd vid behov resulterade i jämförbara effekter på symptomskattningar. Dock slutförde fler som fick veckovist stöd hela behandlingen och de var även mer nöjda både med stödet och behandlingen. Behandlingseffekterna var jämförbara med tidigare IKBT-studier för GAD och deltagarna rapporterade hög grad av nöjdhet i alla studier. Sammanfattningsvis är acceptansbaserad internetförmedlad behandling ett effektivt alternativ vid behandling av GAD.

This text provides a succinct definition of all the terms used in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) including different diagnoses, classifications and treatments.

In this book, the discussion of the normal and pathological aspects of anxiety is critically examined. A chapter on the molecular basis of anxiety is included, outlining the potential of such approach in the discovery of novel effective pharmacological interventions. The face validity, predictability and usefulness of animal models in the design of valid new efficacious products are discussed. Separate chapters dedicated to each particular type of anxiety such as generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, panic and obsessive-compulive disorder are included. This book should be of benefit to psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, general practitioners, nurses, students and all those engaged in neuropsychiatric research.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a debilitating disorder that has often proved difficult to treat. Advances in conceptualization, diagnosis, and treatment now allow an empirically supported approach to its diagnosis and treatment. After briefly outlining theoretical models, this clear and concise book presents an integrative, up-to-date treatment protocol for GAD. Suitable both for practitioners and for students, it guides readers through assessment and differential diagnosis, etiological models such as cognitive avoidance, positive beliefs about worry, and intolerance of uncertainty, and treatment techniques. The therapeutic approach described here integrates techniques from CBT, mindfulness- and acceptance-based therapy, as well as motivational interviewing. This practical volume is rounded off by case vignettes, handouts, questionnaires, and other useful tools.

Generalized anxiety disorder is a chronic, disabling, often lifelong condition affecting millions worldwide. Yet, despite its prevalence, GAD is frequently marginalized, misdiagnosed, and undertreated. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Across the Lifespan creates a practical knowledge base for GAD, identifying the symptoms that set it apart both from “normal, everyday” anxiety and from other anxiety-based pathologies, and thoroughly reviewing the range of established and cutting-edge treatments. The author’s developmental approach sheds some light on longstanding clinical mysteries surrounding the disorder, among them the interplay of somatic and psychological symptoms and the changes in symptoms as patients age. Accessible to the novice or the veteran reader, the book: Grounds readers in the basics of GAD Offers extensive discussion of the current psychosocial treatments for GAD Examines the state of the art in pharmacological therapies with explanations of the genetic and neurobiological correlates Explores special issues, cultural considerations, treatment resistant patients, and prevention Includes guidelines for treatment of GAD in children, adolescents, adults, and older adults Features ready-to-use assessment tools for clients across the lifespan. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Across the Lifespan is a rich resource for clinicians, researchers, and graduate students looking to improve patients’ quality of life—and the quality of their care. It is both a guide to current best practice and a springboard for future innovations.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterised by excessive anxiety and worry about everyday concerns such as work, family, relationships, finances, health, and safety. People who worry in a maladaptive way benefit from good, proactive treatment. This is an essential guide for all therapists who deal with this debilitating problem.