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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Narrative Review
Leila K Capel1, Francesca M Knudsen1, Garth Thomas1
1Utah State University, Logan, USA.
Behavior Modification
|May 11, 2026
Summary
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) shows preliminary effectiveness for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This review found ACT can reduce GAD symptom severity, though more rigorous research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common mental health condition.
- Existing treatments for GAD are effective, but further development is warranted.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a promising intervention for GAD with increasing evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a narrative review of the existing literature on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) specifically for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
- To summarize the efficacy and methodological quality of studies investigating ACT for GAD.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted to identify studies on ACT for GAD.
- Fifteen studies were included in the review, encompassing various designs such as case studies, open trials, single-subject designs, semi-experimental designs, and randomized clinical trials.
- Data on treatment outcomes and study methodologies were extracted and synthesized.
Main Results:
- ACT demonstrates preliminary support as an effective treatment for adults diagnosed with GAD.
- Effect sizes for ACT in treating GAD ranged from medium to large.
- Studies reported significant reductions in GAD symptom severity, ranging from 60% to 77%.
Conclusions:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) shows promise as an efficacious treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
- There is considerable variability in the methodological rigor and study designs within the current literature.
- Future research should focus on enhancing methodological quality to better guide clinical practice for GAD.
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01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
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01:22Behavior Therapy
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