A COMPREHENSIVE COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION IN GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER

In the present study, a Comprehensive Cognitive Behavioral Model for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is proposed and a cognitive behavioral intervention program based on it is developed. The efficacy of CBT in reducing anxiety, in modifying negative cognitions, in controlling worry and in enhancing subjective-wellbeing has been studied on six male clients within the age range 25-40 years, suffering from GAD (ICD=10, F41.1). A single group design with pre, mid and post assessments was adopted; the post-assessment was done by a blind rater. The measures used were (i) Hamiltonʹs Anxiety Rating Scale (ii) Cognitive Somatic Anxiety Questionnaire (iii) Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (iv) Penn State Worry Questionnaire and (v) Subjective-Wellbeing Inventory. CBT was conducted over 25 individual sessions (60-75 minutes duration) spread over 4-6 weeks of which 20 were for therapy and the rest for assessment. Phase-I of therapy consisted of relaxation, while in Phase-II the cognitive components were added. The results of the study showed the efficacy of the intervention program in bringing significant decrease in anxiety, negative cognitions, worry and significant increase in subjective-wellbeing. The cognitive component of therapy was responsible for the statistically significant improvement on specific domains of worry and negative cognitions.