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The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Abstract
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been established as a first-line treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), targeting maladaptive cognitive patterns and excessive worry through cognitive restructuring and exposure-based techniques. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluates the efficacy of CBT in reducing GAD symptoms and improving overall functioning in individuals with GAD. Through a comprehensive literature review, the meta-analysis synthesizes effect sizes from RCTs assessing the effectiveness of CBT compared to control conditions (e.g., waitlist, supportive therapy, relaxation training) in targeting GAD symptoms, including worry, physiological arousal, and functional impairment. Additionally, it examines potential moderators of treatment outcomes, such as treatment duration, therapist experience, treatment format (individual vs. group), and participant characteristics (e.g., age, comorbidities), to better understand the factors influencing the effectiveness of CBT for GAD.
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