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Emotion-centered problem solving therapy for generalized anxiety disorder: a single-arm pilot study with middle-aged
Sherry A Beaudreau1,2,3, Marcela C Otero4, Julie A Lutz1
1Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
Aging & Mental Health
|September 13, 2025
Summary
Emotion-centered Problem Solving Therapy (EC-PST) shows promise for older adults with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This pilot study found EC-PST feasible and acceptable, leading to significant reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Older adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) may not respond well to traditional therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
- Distress can negatively impact cognition in older adults, potentially hindering treatment efficacy.
- Emotion-centered Problem Solving Therapy (EC-PST) may overcome barriers to skill acquisition in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a 6-session EC-PST intervention for adults aged 55+ diagnosed with GAD.
- To determine if EC-PST can lead to clinically significant improvements in anxiety and/or worry symptoms.
- To examine reductions in depressive symptoms and participant satisfaction with the EC-PST treatment.
Main Methods:
- A single-arm pilot study involving 16 adults aged 58-83 with GAD.
- Participants received a 6-session EC-PST intervention.
- Feasibility, symptom reduction (anxiety, worry, depression), and treatment satisfaction were assessed.
Main Results:
- 14 out of 16 participants completed the treatment, indicating high feasibility.
- 85.7% of participants showed a clinically significant reduction in anxiety and/or worry symptoms.
- 64.2% experienced a clinically significant reduction in depressive symptoms, with high satisfaction reported.
Conclusions:
- EC-PST is a feasible and acceptable intervention for older adults with GAD.
- The positive findings support further investigation of EC-PST in a randomized controlled trial.
- EC-PST offers a potential evidence-based therapeutic option for anxiety in later life.
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