Brief Intervention for Co-Occurring Anxiety and Depression in Primary Care: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief cognitive-behavioral intervention for co-occurring anxiety and depression in primary care patients. Method: Participants in this study were 35 veterans seeking care from a VA primary care clinic. Patients were selected for inclusion in this study based on mild to moderate levels of self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. Participants received four weekly sessions of cognitive behavioral intervention for their symptoms. The effectiveness of this intervention was compared with the passage of time alone. Measured outcomes included symptoms of anxiety and depression and quality of life. Results: Statistical testing demonstrated that the intervention led to significant reductions in depression and anxiety and improved role functioning. These changes were maintained except for some return of anxiety over a one-month follow-up period following the end of treatment. Conclusions: This study shows that primary care patients with co-occurring anxiety and depression can be successfully treated with a brief cognitive-behavioral intervention. It is also a test of a flexible treatment approach, whereby the patient and clinician together select the focus of the intervention. Limitations of this pilot work, including patient attrition, are discussed. Further research will be necessary to refine the intervention for primary care patients and to test its effectiveness.