An open trial of brief supportive-expressive psychotherapy in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder

The purpose of the current investigation was to conduct a treatment development study applying brief Supportive-Expressive psychodynamic psychotherapy to the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Background and rationale for the development of an interpersonally-oriented psychodynamic therapy for GAD are presented, followed by the methods and results of the treatment development project. The goals of the project were to develop a treatment manual, train therapists, assess the integrity of the treatment delivered, and collect preliminary efficacy data. Outcome data on 26 patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of GAD indicate that the treatment appears to be promising. Patients revealed significant change in anxiety, as well as in depression, worry, and interpersonal problems. Ratings of therapist adherence and competence indicate that the treatment manual can be implemented with fidelity and can be discriminated from another treatment. Methodological issues in the planning of treatment research on GAD, particularly the problem of comorbidity, are discussed.