Well-being therapy nel disturbo ansioso generalizzato. Uno studio controllato randomizzato.

Background. There is increasing awareness that the goal of treatment in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) should not simply be a response, but restoration of normal function. The aim of this study was to apply a novel psychotherapeutic approach for increasing the level of remission in GAD. Methods. Twenty patients with DSM-IV GAD devoid of comorbid conditions were randomly assigned to 8 sessions of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or the sequential administration of 4 sessions of CBT followed by other 4 sessions of Well-Being Therapy (WBT). Assessment methods included the Anxiety and Depression Scales of Paykel's Clinical Interview for Depression (CID), Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scales (PWB) and Kellner's Symptom Questionnaire (SQ). A one-year follow-up was undertaken. Results. Significant advantages of the CBT-WBT sequential combination over CBT only were observed with both observer and self-rated methods after treatment. Such gains were maintained at follow-up. Conclusions. These preliminary results suggest the feasibility and clinical advantages of adding WBT to the treatment of GAD. They lend support to a sequential use of treatment components for achieving a more sustained recovery.