Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Group Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Treatment

DIAGNOSIS: Generalized Anxiety Disorder

TREATMENT: Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Group Therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

BRIEF SUMMARY

Basic premise: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) therapy for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a structured therapeutic program that integrates mindfulness meditation, sometimes yoga, and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Participants engage in guided mindfulness practices, including breathing exercises and body scans, to cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce the impact of anxious thoughts and sensations. The inclusion of gentle yoga and mindful movement aims to alleviate physical tension and promote relaxation. Cognitive-behavioral strategies within the program help individuals identify and challenge maladaptive thought patterns, encouraging a shift towards more adaptive and balanced cognitive processes. The group setting fosters a supportive environment for sharing experiences and building a sense of community, ultimately empowering individuals to better manage their anxiety and enhance their overall psychological well-being.

Alimehdi, M., Ehteshamzadeh, P., Naderi, F., Eftekharsaadi, Z., & Pasha, R. (2016). The effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Intolerance of Uncertainty and Anxiety Sensitivity among Individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Asian Social Science, 12(4), 179–187. https://doi.org/10.5539/ass.v12n4p179

Hofmann, S. G., Sawyer, A. T., Witt, A. A., & Oh, D. (2010). The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on anxiety and depression: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(2), 169–183. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018555

Society of Clinical Psychology – Div12. (n.d.). Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Div12.org. https://div12.org/treatment/cognitive-and-behavioral-therapies-for-generalized-anxiety-disorder/

Vøllestad, J., Sivertsen, B., & Nielsen, G. H. (2011). Mindfulness-based stress reduction for patients with anxiety disorders: Evaluation in a randomized controlled trial. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 49(4), 281–288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2011.01.007

TREATMENT RESOURCES

TREATMENT MANUALS

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR): Standards of practice (Santorelli, 2014)

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Authorized Curriculum Guide. (Santorelli, Meleo-Meyer, & Koerbel, 2017)

The MBSR Manual (Palouse Mindfulness)

Mindfulness-based stress reduction: Protocol, practice, and teaching skills (Woods & Rockman, 2021)

Mindfulness Basics. A Mindfulness Audio Program. Manual for the audio program. What you need to know to get started on the practice of mindfulness (Ameli, 2020)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Patient Treatment Manual (Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety Disorders St. Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, 2010)

Mastery of your anxiety and panic. Therapist guide (Craske & Barlow, 2007)

WORKBOOKS and WORKSHEETS

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Handbook (Ahern)

Full catastrophe living: How to cope with stress, pain and illness using mindfulness meditation (Kabat-Zinn, 2013)

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Participant Workbook (Nelson-Johnson, 2020)

A Mindfulness-based stress reduction workbook (Stahl & Goldstein, 2019)

Patient Education manual: Mindfulness Skills (University of California San Francisco)

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program (Karavannis, 2014)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: The Ultimate MBSR Guide (Ackermann, 2017)

Helpful Anxiety Resources (Anxiety & Depression Association of America)

Generalised Anxiety Disorder resources for clinicians (Centre for Clinical Interventions)

Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) (Palouse Mindfulness)

SUPPORTING STUDIES

Asmaee Majid, S., Seghatoleslam, T., Homan, H., Akhvast, A., & Habil, H. (2012). Effect of mindfulness based stress management on reduction of generalized anxiety disorder. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 41(10), 24–28.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3494227/

Hoge, E. A., Bui, E., Goetter, E., Robinaugh, D. J., Ojserkis, R. A., Fresco, D. M., & Simon, N. M. (2015). Change in Decentering Mediates Improvement in Anxiety in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 39(2), 228–235.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-014-9646-4

Hoge, E. A., Bui, E., Marques, L., Metcalf, C. A., Morris, L. K., Robinaugh, D. J., Worthington, J. J., Pollack, M. H., & Simon, N. M. (2013). Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness Meditation for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Effects on Anxiety and Stress Reactivity. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 74(8), 786–792.

https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.12m08083