Effect of Acceptance-Based Behavior Therapy on Severity of Symptoms, Worry and Quality of Life in Women With Generalized Anxiety Disorder

authors:

avatar Fatemeh Zargar 1 , avatar Ali Asghar Asgharnejad Farid 2 , * , avatar Mohammad-Kazem Atef-Vahid 2 , avatar Mohsen Maroof 3 , avatar Hamid Afshar 3 , avatar Victoria Omranifard 3

Department of Clinical Psychology, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
Mental Health Research Center and Tehran Psychiatric Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Psychosomatic Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences: Vol.6, issue 2; 23-32
published online: December 30, 2012
article type: Original Article
received: August 08, 2011
revised: August 01, 2012
accepted: August 15, 2012

how to cite: Zargar F, Asgharnejad Farid A A, Atef-Vahid M, Maroof M, Afshar H, et al. Effect of Acceptance-Based Behavior Therapy on Severity of Symptoms, Worry and Quality of Life in Women With Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Iran J Psychiatry Behav Sci. 2012;6(2): 23-32. 

Abstract

Objective: Acceptance-based behavior therapy (ABBT) is a new psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The current study intended to compare severity of symptoms, worry and quality of life of GAD female patients between ABBT and control.
Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial. The sample included 18 women with GAD referred to psychiatrists in Isfahan, Iran. Patients were assigned in 2 groups randomly (ABBT and control group without any psychotherapy). Both groups received medication. The intervention in ABBT group was conducted based on Roemer & Orsillo's manual for Acceptance-based Behavior Therapy for GAD. 12 therapeutic sessions administered in Shariati psychiatric clinic of Isfahan. The instruments included the GAD-7 Inventory, Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) and Short Form Health Survey -12 revised Version (SF-12V2). The data were analyzed using the Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANCOVA).
Results: Overall, clients receiving ABBT compared to control group reported a significantly decrease in severity of GAD symptoms, and improve in quality of life at post- treatment state. They reported decrease in severity of worry but it was not statistically significant compared to control group.
Conclusion: ABBT was effective in alleviating symptoms of GAD.
Declaration of Interest: This study was funded by the Mental Health Research Center and Tehran Psychiatric Institute.
Clinical trial registration number: IRCT201108057227N1
Citation: Zargar F, Asgharnejad Farid AA, Atef-Vahid MK, Afshar H, Maroofi M, Omranifard V. Effect of acceptance-based behavior therapy on severity of symptoms, worry and quality of life in women with generalized anxiety disorder. Iran J Psychiatry Behav Sci 2012; 6 (2): 23-32.

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