Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy v. grouppsychoeducation for people with generalised anxiety disorder: Randomisedcontrolled trial

BackgroundResearch suggests that an 8-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy(MBCT) course may be effective for generalised anxiety disorder(GAD).AimsTo compare changes in anxiety levels among participants with GAD randomlyassigned to MBCT, cognitive–behavioural therapy-based psychoeducation andusual care.MethodIn total, 182 participants with GAD were recruited (trial registrationnumber: CUHK_CCT00267) and assigned to the three groups and followed for5 months after baseline assessment with the two intervention groupsfollowed for an additional 6 months. Primary outcomes were anxiety andworry levels.ResultsLinear mixed models demonstrated significant group × time interaction(F(4,148) = 5.10, P = 0.001) effectsfor decreased anxiety for both the intervention groups relative to usualcare. Significant group × time interaction effects were observed forworry and depressive symptoms and mental health-related quality of lifefor the psychoeducation group only.ConclusionsThese results suggest that both of the interventions appear to besuperior to usual care for the reduction of anxiety symptoms.