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Imagery rescripting for generalized anxiety disorder: A case series.
L Stavropoulos1, A B Phipps1, I Sabel1
1School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Imagery rescripting is a feasible and acceptable intervention for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This pilot study showed significant improvements in anxiety and worry symptoms, maintained at follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Anxiety Disorders
Background:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent mental health condition.
- Current treatments for GAD have limitations, necessitating exploration of novel interventions.
- Imagery rescripting is an emerging therapeutic technique with potential for anxiety symptom reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility and acceptability of imagery rescripting for individuals diagnosed with GAD.
- To explore the preliminary efficacy of imagery rescripting in reducing symptoms of anxiety and worry in a GAD sample.
- To assess the maintenance of treatment gains at a 3-month follow-up.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 18 participants diagnosed with GAD.
- Participants received 10 weekly sessions of imagery rescripting, delivered in-person or via Telehealth.
- Measures of trait worry and GAD symptoms were administered at multiple time points: pre-baseline, pre-, mid-, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in worry and GAD symptoms were observed from baseline to post-treatment (d = -1.18 for PSWQ, d = -1.04 for GAD-7).
- Treatment gains were maintained at the 3-month follow-up.
- The intervention demonstrated high credibility (mean score 36.34/45) and patient satisfaction (mean score 8.94/12), with no reported adverse experiences.
Conclusions:
- Imagery rescripting is a feasible and acceptable intervention for individuals with GAD.
- The preliminary findings suggest that imagery rescripting can effectively improve symptoms of anxiety and worry.
- Further evaluation in a randomized controlled trial is warranted to confirm these findings.
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