Behavioural experiments for intolerance of uncertainty: A brief intervention delivered via videoconference for adults with generalised anxiety disorder

Abstract

Accessing psychological treatment is often met with barriers of time, cost, and availability. Focused brief interventions delivered via videoconference can overcome some of these barriers. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility, as well as processes of exposure-based learning for a brief intervention for treating generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), utilising behavioural experiments delivered via videoconference. Participants (N = 40) with a primary diagnosis of GAD were assessed via clinical interview and randomised to either the treatment condition (n = 20) or waitlist condition (n = 20). Treatment consisted of two weekly 1-hour sessions where participants utilised behavioural experiments to test negative beliefs about uncertainty. The primary outcomes were worry, safety behaviours, avoidance, depression, anxiety, physiological tension, and intolerance of uncertainty (IU). Linear mixed models indicated that the treatment group was only superior to the waitlist group on change from pre- to post-treatment for worry. The combined group (once waitlisted participants received treatment) evidenced significant reduction across all outcomes from pre- to post-treatment, except for anxiety. Additionally, there was evidence that expectancy violation and habituation occurred, suggesting that behavioural experiments facilitate different processes of exposure-based learning. The intervention was also found to be acceptable, appropriate, and feasible by adults with GAD. Thus, the remotely delivered brief intervention shows promise as an effective option for individuals with GAD.