Comparison of the Effectiveness of Integrated Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with Transdiagnostic Treatment on Symptoms of Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder Comorbid with Depression

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of integrated cognitive behavioral therapy with Transdiagnostic Treatment on symptoms of patients with generalized anxiety disorder comorbid with depression. Methods The quasi-experimental design of two groups (integrated cognitive behavioral therapy group, Transdiagnostic treatment group) was used for competitive validity. The statistical population included people with comorbid anxiety disorder with depression who referred to counseling centers in Isfahan in 1398, from which 10 people were selected by purposive sampling and randomly assigned to two groups. Research instruments were GAD-7 scales, Beck Depression Inventory, and Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). Results Visual charting, percentage of improvement, and reliable change index (RCI)) showed that both treatments produced clinically and statistically significant changes in therapeutic outcomes (symptoms of anxiety, worry and depressive symptoms) and continued therapeutic effects during follow-up. But the percentages of improvement in the integrated treatment group in all three components of symptoms of anxiety, worry and depression were higher. Conclusion Based on the obtained results and based on the Theoretical explanation of findings for effectiveness of therapy, integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is preferred over transdiagnostic treatment in terms of the magnitude of change and stability, but both are similar in acceptance.