Integrating Acceptance and Mindfulness into Existing Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for GAD: A Case Study

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic, pervasive disorder associated with significant impairment in functioning. While cognitive-behavioral interventions appear to be relatively efficacious in reducing GAD symptoms, the proportion of treated individuals who reach desired levels of end-state functioning is less than ideal. A number of recent theoretical and empirical advances in the field have led to the development of novel, experimental treatments for GAD. The current paper describes the integration of acceptance and mindfulness techniques into an existing cognitive-behavioral group treatment for GAD. Data from 4 clients suggest that further refinement of acceptance and mindfulness methods may facilitate improvement in the quality of life and psychosocial functioning of individuals diagnosed with GAD.