Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Versus Antidepressant Medication in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Prospective & Novel Approach
Keywords:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Antidepressants, SSRIs, GAD-7, Selective Serotonin Reuptake InhibitorsAbstract
Background: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a condition which causes impairment in affected individuals. The conventional treatment includes the application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or antidepressants. The prospective study compares the CBT and pharmacological therapy in terms of their effects on the reduction of symptoms and functional improvements. Methods: This prospective study (January to July 2024) included 100 individuals with GAD diagnosis, aged 20-50 years according to DSM-5 criteria. Respondents were put in two groups where a structured CBT therapy was administered during 12 weeks in one group and the other group received a standard dose of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. The symptoms, quality of life, and patient self-evaluation were measured using the GAD-7 scale before and after the intervention for comparative analysis. Paired t-tests, independent t-tests, correlation analysis, and estimation of effects size were used for statistical analysis. Results: The GAD-7 scores were significantly reduced in CBT group, and participants showed better performance in terms of functional activities and quality of life measurements (p = 0.02), with high levels of patient satisfaction. The data indicated that there was a moderate positive correlation between symptom reduction and treatment adherence (r = 0.45, p = 0.003). Conclusion: The CBT therapy showed better treatment results as compared to antidepressants in terms of patient satisfaction and functional outcome of the GAD treatment. The results indicated that CBT therapy should be applied as a primary treatment with integration of research into personal treatment plans covering symptoms of anxiety.
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