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Reducing State Anxiety Using Working Memory Maintenance
Published on: July 19, 2017
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Cognitive-behavioural versus cognitive-analytic guided self-help for mild-to-moderate anxiety: a pragmatic,
Stephen Kellett1, Charlotte Bee2, Jess Smithies2
1Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, UK; and University of Sheffield, UK.
Summary
Patients with anxiety prefer choosing their guided self-help (GSH) intervention. Both cognitive-analytic GSH (CAT-GSH) and cognitive-behavioural GSH (CBT-GSH) showed similar effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health
- Psychology
- Primary Care
Background:
- Guided self-help (GSH) is common in primary care for anxiety due to efficiency.
- Concerns exist regarding GSH acceptability, effectiveness, and relapse rates.
- Patient preference for intervention type is a key consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare patient preferences for, and the acceptability and efficacy of, cognitive-analytic guided self-help (CAT-GSH) versus cognitive-behavioural guided self-help (CBT-GSH).
Main Methods:
- A pragmatic, randomized, patient preference trial (NCT03730532) was conducted.
- Participants chose between CAT-GSH and CBT-GSH or were randomized.
- The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was the primary outcome, assessed at 8 and 24 weeks via telephone-delivered workbooks.
Main Results:
- Most participants (93%) chose their preferred treatment, with 72% opting for CAT-GSH.
- No significant differences in BAI outcomes were found between preference and randomized groups at 8 or 24 weeks.
- Both CAT-GSH and CBT-GSH demonstrated comparable reductions in anxiety symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Patients in primary care prefer to select their mental health interventions.
- CAT-GSH offers an additional, analytically informed option for anxiety treatment in primary care.
- This study supports patient choice in guided self-help interventions for anxiety.
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