A randomized controlled trial comparing an adult education class using cognitive behavioural therapy (“stress control”), anxiety management group treatment and a waiting list for anxiety disorders

Abstract

Background: Anxiety disorders are extremely common and regularly treated in group settings. At present there is limited evidence for the effectiveness of group anxiety management courses.

Aims: To examine the relative efficacies of a six week cognitive behavioural adult education evening class, a traditional anxiety management group and a waiting list group in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Method: Individuals with a DSM IV anxiety disorder were randomized to either a cognitive behavioural therapy adult education evening class (Stress Control), anxiety management group treatment or a waiting list control condition. Both active treatments lasted 2 hours per week for 6 weeks in total.

Results: There were no significant differences between any of the groups on the main outcome measure. Stress Control and Anxiety Management showed significantly greater mean reductions on the Fear Questionnaire than the Waiting List group post-treatment but this difference was no longer present at one month follow-up. There were no differences at any time point between anxiety management and Stress Control. The initial presence of depression was highly predictive of poor outcome.

Conclusions: This study does not support the routine use of Stress Control or Anxiety Management in group settings for individuals referred to secondary care with anxiety disorders. Further research is required to determine if specific individuals would benefit from these approaches or whether they should be included in a stepped-care pathway for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Keywords:

• Anxiety disorder-generalized
• anxiety management
• stress control