Efficacy of problem-solving training and cognitive exposure in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: A case replication series Original Research Article

Recent advances in our understanding of worry and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) have led to the development of efficacious treatments for GAD. Although multidimensional treatment packages have shown efficacy, we know little about the efficacy and clinical utility of individual treatment components. This study evaluates the efficacy of problem-solving training and cognitive exposure for the treatment of GAD. Eighteen primary GAD patients received 12 sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy in a case replication series. Treatment was individualized according to the main worries of patients and consisted of either problem-solving training for worries concerning current problems, or cognitive exposure for worries concerning hypothetical situations. Results show that both treatments led to statistically significant improvements on all outcome measures. Stringent clinically significant outcome at posttest was reached by 73.3% of patients that completed treatment. Furthermore, gains were maintained at 6-month follow-up. Consistent with current treatment models of GAD, these results suggest that problem-solving training and cognitive exposure are efficacious treatment components for GAD.