Lifestyle Interventions for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Anxiety |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Psychiatry / Psychology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 65 |
| Updated: | 11/30/-0001 |
| Start Date: | March 2012 |
| End Date: | March 2014 |
This two-site (Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Boston University (BU)) study aims to
examine the effectiveness of exercise interventions for the treatment of generalized anxiety
disorder (GAD). If effective, the use of exercise as a component of treatment for GAD would
have a significant public health impact. In addition to improving GAD treatment outcome,
exercise is expected to offer health benefits and promote further lifestyle changes.
The present study involves the randomization of 52 adults with GAD to either a 12-week
combined supervised- home-based moderate-intensity aerobic exercise protocol (EX) or a
12-week combined supervised- home-based stretching protocol (CTRL). The investigators
hypothesize that participants in the EX intervention will evidence greater improvements in
anxiety symptoms and quality of life relative to individuals receiving the control
intervention.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Male and female participants, ages 18-65.
- Principal diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
- Willing to and capable of providing informed consent, attending all study visits, and
complying with the protocol.
- Classified as either being at low risk or moderate risk for cardiovascular disease
according to American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) risk stratification
guidelines (see "Telephone Prescreen and Risk Stratification" section for more
information).
- Sedentary as defined by ACSM guidelines as not participating in at least 30 minutes
of moderate-intensity exercise on at least 3 days a week for at least 3 months.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Currently suicidal or high suicide risk, current or past psychotic disorders of any
type, bipolar disorder (I, II, or NOS), schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder,
anorexia, bulimia. Alcohol or drug dependence, abuse of depressants, dissociative
anesthetics, hallucinogens, opioids, and cocaine within the last 6 months. Comorbid
psychiatric conditions that are relative or absolute contraindications to the use of
any treatment option in the protocol.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy within three months of baseline, or ongoing supportive
therapy directed specifically toward the treatment of anxiety or mood disorder.
- Psychotropic medications are acceptable only if they are stabilized for at least 3
weeks prior to the baseline visit, as long they are not considered a relative or
absolute contraindication to the use of any treatment option in the protocol.
- For women, currently pregnant, plans to be pregnant in the next year, or currently
breastfeeding.
- Insufficient command of the English language (i.e., they cannot carry on a
conversation with an interviewer in the English language or read associated text).
We found this trial at
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