The Impact Of Exposure On Generalized Anxiety Disorder-Related Symptoms And Cognitive Processes: The Role Of Stimulus Variation

Cognitive Processes ◽

Clinical Implications ◽

Generalized Anxiety ◽

Emotional Activation ◽

Stimulus Variation ◽

Theories indicate that individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) avoid imagining threatening scenarios that have not occurred. Cognitive exposure to these images is a component of treatment; however, few studies have examined its efficacy. The current study assessed the impact of cognitive exposure and varying exposure content on GAD symptoms and cognitive processes. Forty-eight individuals with GAD were assigned to three sessions of : (1) variable exposure (VE), (2) consistent exposure (CE), or (3) neutral control writing (NC). Emotional activation was assessed during each session. Outcome measures were administered at pretest and 1-week follow-up. The CE condition showed improvements in GAD symptoms and cognitive processes, the VE condition showed less belief that their worse worry would occur, and the NC condition showed reduced GAD symptoms and interpretation bias. Emotional activation decreased across session in the CE condition; however, this did not predict outcomes. The theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

Experimental Manipulation of Processing Style: Impact on Interpretive Bias, Problem Solving, and Worry in Individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

10.32920/ryerson.14660592.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Elizabeth Jane Pawluck

Keyword(s):

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Cognitive Processes ◽

Experimental Manipulation ◽

Training Condition ◽

Generalized Anxiety ◽

Processing Style ◽

The present study investigated whether individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) could be trained to adopt an abstract or concrete processing style and the impact of processing style training on GAD symptoms and cognitive processes, including an interpretation bias, negative problem solving orientation, poor problem solving, and worry. Participants (N=47) were trained to adopt an abstract or concrete processing style, and outcome measures were completed at posttraining and 1 week follow-up. At posttraining, processing style training was effective in inducing an abstract or concrete processing style. In addition, at posttraining, the concrete training condition reported reduced concern with ambiguous scenarios and produced problem solutions that were rated as more effective compared with the abstract training condition. At follow-up, there was no difference between training conditions on processing style and associated GAD symptoms and cognitive processes. Study limitations and future directions are discussed.

Experimental Manipulation of Processing Style: Impact on Interpretive Bias, Problem Solving, and Worry in Individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

10.32920/ryerson.14660592 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Elizabeth Jane Pawluck

Keyword(s):

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Cognitive Processes ◽

Experimental Manipulation ◽

Training Condition ◽

Generalized Anxiety ◽

Processing Style ◽

The present study investigated whether individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) could be trained to adopt an abstract or concrete processing style and the impact of processing style training on GAD symptoms and cognitive processes, including an interpretation bias, negative problem solving orientation, poor problem solving, and worry. Participants (N=47) were trained to adopt an abstract or concrete processing style, and outcome measures were completed at posttraining and 1 week follow-up. At posttraining, processing style training was effective in inducing an abstract or concrete processing style. In addition, at posttraining, the concrete training condition reported reduced concern with ambiguous scenarios and produced problem solutions that were rated as more effective compared with the abstract training condition. At follow-up, there was no difference between training conditions on processing style and associated GAD symptoms and cognitive processes. Study limitations and future directions are discussed.

Negative urgency and generalized anxiety disorder symptom severity: The role of self-reported cognitive processes

Personality and Individual Differences ◽

10.1016/j.paid.2019.03.021 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 145 ◽

pp. 58-63 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bailee L. Malivoire ◽

Kathleen E. Stewart ◽

Kathleen Tallon ◽

Melina M. Ovanessian ◽

Elizabeth J. Pawluk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Cognitive Processes ◽

Symptom Severity ◽

Generalized Anxiety ◽

Negative Urgency ◽

Disorder Symptom

Sex-dependent role of CD300f immune receptor in generalized anxiety disorder

Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health ◽

10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100191 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

pp. 100191

Author(s):

Fernanda N. Kaufmann ◽

Natalia Lago ◽

Daniela Alí-Ruiz ◽

Karen Jansen ◽

Luciano D.M. Souza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Generalized Anxiety ◽

Immune Receptor

The role of the level of personality organization in emotional processing in Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Personality and Individual Differences ◽

10.1016/j.paid.2021.111020 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 181 ◽

pp. 111020

Author(s):

Dominika Górska

Keyword(s):

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Emotional Processing ◽

Generalized Anxiety ◽

Personality Organization

Role of Atypical Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

CNS Drugs ◽

10.1007/s40263-014-0162-6 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 28 (6) ◽

pp. 519-533 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Rachel Hershenberg ◽

Daniel F. Gros ◽

Olga Brawman-Mintzer

Keyword(s):

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Atypical Antipsychotics ◽

Generalized Anxiety

Cognitive functions in young adults with generalized anxiety disorder

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.10.008 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 56 (1) ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Kiara Leonard ◽

Amitai Abramovitch

Keyword(s):

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Cognitive Load ◽

Cognitive Functions ◽

Theoretical Models ◽

Generalized Anxiety ◽

Neuropsychological Battery ◽

Compensatory Mechanisms ◽

Neuropsychological Profile ◽

AbstractBackground:Anxiety and worry are central symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) that have been theorized to negatively impact cognitive functions. However, most of the research has focused on threat-related or emotionally-charged stimuli, and a surprisingly small number of investigations examined ‘cold’ cognitive functions using classic neuropsychological tests. Such investigations are particularly important given that some theoretical models suggest compensatory mechanisms associated with anxiety that in certain circumstances may result in intact performance. The aim of the present study is to assess the neuropsychological profile associated with GAD, using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery.Methods:A sample of 23 college students meeting criteria for DSM-5 GAD and 20 control participants completed a psychometrically valid comprehensive computerized neuropsychological battery and clinical questionnaires.Results:The GAD sample presented with significantly elevated symptomatic rates of anxiety, worry, depression and stress. However, no significant differences were found on any neuropsychological outcome measures or domain indexes. Effect sizes were small, some of which favored the GAD sample.Conclusion:Despite substantial psychopathological burden, GAD exhibited intact cognitive functioning. These results support the Cognitive Control Theory of Anxiety, suggesting that elevated primary anxiety may not impact ‘cold’ cognitive functions in the absence of threat or substantial cognitive load. Given that this is one of the only studies employing a comprehensive neuropsychological battery in GAD, more research is needed in this population to replicate these results and to examine the impact of anxiety on cognitive functions at varying degrees of cognitive load in this population.

Does cognitive-behavioural therapy influence the long-term outcome of generalized anxiety disorder? An 8–14 year follow-up of two clinical trials

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291702007079 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 499-509 ◽

Cited By ~ 52

Author(s):

R. C. DURHAM ◽

J. A. CHAMBERS ◽

R. R. MACDONALD ◽

K. G. POWER ◽

K. MAJOR

Keyword(s):

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Secondary Care ◽

Generalized Anxiety ◽

Behaviour Therapy ◽

Term Outcome ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Cognitive Behaviour

Background. Generalized anxiety disorder is a common condition of excessive worry and tension which tends to run a chronic course associated with significant psychiatric and medical problems. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has been shown to be of clinical value in about 50% of cases with treatment gains maintained over follow-up periods ranging from 6 to 12 months. The potential value of CBT over the longer term has not been subject to rigorous investigation.Method. Results are reported of 8–14 year follow-up of two randomized controlled trials of cognitive-behaviour therapy for generalized anxiety disorder employing structured interview with an assessor blind to initial treatment condition. Comparison groups included medication and placebo in one study based in primary care, and analytical psychotherapy in the other based in secondary care. Follow-up samples (30% and 55% of trial entrants) were broadly representative of the original cohorts.Results. Overall, 50% of participants were markedly improved of whom 30–40% were recovered (i.e. free of symptoms). Outcome was significantly worse for the study based in secondary care in which the clinical presentation of participants was more complex and severe. For a minority (30–40%), mainly from the secondary care study, outcome was poor. Treatment with CBT was associated with significantly lower overall severity of symptomatology and less interim treatment, in comparison with non-CBT conditions, but there was no evidence that CBT influenced diagnostic status, probability of recovery or patient perceptions of overall improvement.Conclusions. Both CBT and the complexity and severity of presenting problems appear to influence the long-term outcome of GAD.

Short-Term Efficacy Of A Worry Postponement Intervention for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

10.32920/ryerson.14653938.v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kathleen Tallon

Keyword(s):

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Cognitive Processes ◽

Stimulus Control ◽

Behavioural Therapy ◽

Mechanisms Of Change ◽

Generalized Anxiety ◽

Common Component ◽

Metacognitive Beliefs ◽

Before And After

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Worry postponement (WP), in which a client is asked to postpone worry until a 30-minute “worry time,” is a common component of CBT for GAD; however, the efficacy of WP has never been tested in people with GAD. Further, the mechanisms of change of WP are not known; nor are its effects on cognitive processes and symptoms related to GAD. A better understanding of the efficacy and mechanisms of change of WP could help to optimize CBT for GAD. The goals of the present study were to examine, in a sample of people with GAD, the effects of WP on worry and GAD symptoms, and cognitive processes and symptoms related to GAD. The study also examined the effects of WP on two proposed mediators: stimulus control and metacognitive beliefs. Sixty-seven adults were randomized to one of three conditions: 2- week worry postponement intervention (WP), 2-week worry monitoring intervention (MON), or an assessment only control. Participants completed outcome measures before and after the 2- week intervention period and at a 2-week follow-up. In the WP and MON conditions, participants completed daily worry monitoring using a phone-based application. All participants showed a significant decrease in past-week worry over the course of the study, with no significant differences between the conditions. There were no significant changes in GAD symptoms across conditions. There was no evidence that WP had superior effects to control groups on cognitive processes or symptoms related to GAD. There was no evidence that stimulus control or metacognitive beliefs mediated the reduction in past week worry in WP. This is the first known study to examine the effects of WP in people with GAD. Whereas worry did decrease on some indices over the course of the study, there were no significant differences between WP and two control conditions. Further this study found no evidence that WP has specific effects on two processes that are thought to be mechanisms of action. The findings of this study demonstrate the need to establish the efficacy of the treatment components used in CBT.