Browsing by Author "Hyry, Saimi"

Objectives: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common and chronic disorder that causes significant burden for both patients and the society. There are particular challenges associated with the treatment of GAD compared to other anxiety disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered the preferred treatment for GAD, but many patients continue to suffer from residual symptoms after treatment, and relapses are common. Many researchers have emphasized the need for research and development of new approaches to treating GAD. The purpose of this review is to examine the basis for using mindfulness and in particular mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in the treatment of GAD, to go through existing research on effectiveness of MBCT for GAD, and to discuss methodological questions that ought to be considered in future research. Methods: Studies were found using search terms mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, generalized anxiety disorder and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy + generalized anxiety disorder. In addition, articles were discovered by conducting a manual search from the reference lists of the studies searched from the databases. Results and conclusions: There was not yet enough research to determine whether MBCT could be considered effective in the treatment of GAD. However, there were conceptual bases and initial positive findings that encourage further research. Practicing mindfulness seemed particularly promising in the reduction of worrying, which is the defining symptom of GAD. Mindfulness had been found effective in treating other central symptoms of GAD as well, such as difficulty in concentrating, restlessness and disturbed sleep. Cost-effective MBCT could lessen the financial burden associated with treating GAD and make treatment available for more patients. Future studies should better consider special characteristics of MBCT such as its group format and the central role of mindfulness. If found effective, MBCT could be utilized as it is or as complementary to other interventions.