ACT RCT for Anxiety Disorders

Submitted by Tamer Fawzy on December 27, 2005 - 2:54pm
Printer-friendly versionSend by email

Hello,

My name is Tamer Fawzy and I am interested in research on ACT with anxiety disorders. Specifically, I am interested in a recent reference, if available, that reviews the RCT evidence for ACT with specific anxiety disorders. I am aware of at least three that were mentioned on the website (Twohig et al.--obsessions;Woods et al.-- trichotillomania; Zettle--Math anxiety; I also saw a reference to Block 2002--social phobia, but could not find the reference). Anyways, I would be very grateful if anybody could tell me of other studies that may be out there for anxiety disorders.

Thanks and best regards,

Tamer
Happy Holidays!

p.s. sorry, yesterday I posted this incorrectly as a response to one of Dr.Hayes' blogs...

‹ Education ACT and CT ›

RCT's on ACT for Anxiety

Submitted by John P. Forsyth on February 14, 2006 - 7:57am.

Hi Tamer -- There is a large multisite trial underway now -- UCLA-Albany NY study. This trial pits a unified CBT protocol vs. ACT for anxiety disorders (using the protocol we describe in our book).

My student, Maria Karekala, did a modest trial comparing ACT vs. CBT for panic disorder in a group format. The sample size was small (about 6-8 per group). Data showed equivalent good outcomes for both groups, and hinted at some interesting process differences. For instance, patterns of drop outs varied between groups, with CBTers much more likely to drop out following the introduction of exposure.

I believe Sue Orsillo has an ACT trial underway with GAD.

So, this work is coming down the pipe. There is a growing body of basic and quasi-experimental studies on ACT processes for anxiety disorders. These studies are, for the most part, rock solid and supportive.

Hope this helps. -john

John P. Forsyth, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology
Faculty Director, Anxiety Disorders Research Program
University at Albany, SUNY
Department of Psychology, SS369
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
Ph: (518) 442-4862
Fax: (518) 442-4867

CBT and ACT for Anxiety Disorders

Submitted by Tamer Fawzy on February 19, 2006 - 5:53pm.

Hello Dr. Forsyth,
Thank you so much for the reply, it was very helpful. At the risk of being greedy I wanted to ask one other question. Its regarding your recent book, ACT for Anxiety Disorders. If you had to choose just one, what would you say is the chief difference between a cognitive-behavioral and an ACT approach to treating anxiety disorders in terms of: case-conceptualization and treatment goals. Thanks in advance for your time.

Tamer