Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a debilitating disorder that has often proved difficult to treat. Advances in conceptualization, diagnosis, and treatment now allow an empirically supported approach to its diagnosis and treatment. After briefly outlining theoretical models, this clear and concise book presents an integrative, up-to-date treatment protocol for GAD. Suitable both for practitioners and for students, it guides readers through assessment and differential diagnosis, etiological models such as cognitive avoidance, positive beliefs about worry, and intolerance of uncertainty, and treatment techniques. The therapeutic approach described here integrates techniques from CBT, mindfulness- and acceptance-based therapy, as well as motivational interviewing. This practical volume is rounded off by case vignettes, handouts, questionnaires, and other useful tools.

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Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
1 Description
1.1 Terminology
1.2 Definition
1.3 Epidemiology
1.4 Course and Prognosis
1.5 Differential Diagnosis
1.6 Comorbidities
1.7 Diagnostic Procedures
2 Theories and Models of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
2.1 Worry as Cognitive Avoidance
2.2 Positive Beliefs About Worry
2.3 Uncertainty and Worry
2.4 Information-Processing Biases Associated with GAD
2.5 Metaworry
2.6 Implications for Treatment
3 Diagnosis and Treatment Indications
3.1 Key Features to be Assessed
3.2 Overview of Effective Treatment Strategies
3.3 Factors that Influence Treatment Decisions
4 Treatment
4.1 Methods of CBT
4.2 Mechanisms of Action
4.3 Efficacy and Prognosis
4.4 Combination Treatments
4.5 Overcoming Barriers to Treatment
4.6 Adapting Treatment for Different Age Groups
4.7 Adapting Treatment for Different Cultures
5 Case Vignette
6 Further Reading
7 References
8 Appendix: Tools and Resources