Emotion-centered problem solving therapy for generalized anxiety disorder: a single-arm pilot study with middle-aged and older adults.

OBJECTIVES

Older adults may be particularly vulnerable to the negative effect of distress on cognition, thus explaining cognitive behavioral therapy's (CBT's) diminished efficacy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in later life. Emotion-centered Problem Solving Therapy (EC-PST) may address this and other barriers to skill acquisition.

METHOD: This single-arm pilot aimed to determine the feasibility of 6-session EC-PST to achieve clinically significant improvements in anxiety and/or worry symptoms in adults aged 55+ with GAD. Secondary analyses also examined reductions in depressive symptoms and assessed participant satisfaction with treatment components.

RESULTS

Sixteen adults aged 58 to 83 years old with current GAD were enrolled. Fourteen participants completed treatment. Twelve participants (85.7%) had a clinically significant pre- to post-treatment reduction in anxiety and/or worry symptoms. Additionally, nine (64.2%) had a clinically significant reduction in depressive symptoms. Qualitative feedback indicated a high level of satisfaction based on themes of reduced avoidance, increased confidence in managing anxiety, and feeling more in control of life problems.

CONCLUSION

Findings support feasibility and acceptability of EC-PST for GAD in middle-aged and older adults that is worthy of follow up in a randomized controlled trial given the limited options for evidence-based therapy in later life anxiety.