Interpersonal dysfunction and treatment outcome in GAD: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychotherapy Research

Background:

• Interpersonal dysfunction is a proposed maintaining factor for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
• Low remission rates in GAD psychotherapy may stem from insufficient attention to interpersonal issues.
• Addressing interpersonal dysfunction could enhance GAD treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review literature on the moderating role of interpersonal dysfunction in GAD psychotherapy outcomes.
• To examine changes in interpersonal dysfunction throughout GAD treatment.
• To identify if specific interpersonal deficits impact treatment success.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies investigating interpersonal dysfunction and GAD treatment.
• Analysis of 13 identified studies.
• Examination of relationships between interpersonal dysfunction/distress and treatment outcomes, and changes over therapy.

Main Results:

• Most studies indicated general improvement in interpersonal dysfunction after psychotherapy for GAD.
• Preliminary evidence suggests certain interpersonal subscales, like overly-nurturant dysfunction, may not improve.
• Higher baseline interpersonal dysfunction predicted poorer treatment outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Interpersonal dysfunction can impede successful GAD psychotherapy.
• Further research is needed to identify patients who would benefit from integrated interpersonal interventions.
• Developing and implementing targeted approaches for interpersonal dysfunction in GAD is warranted.