Cognitive-behavioral models and methods for treating generalized anxiety disorder

Abstract

The present article covers the history of GAD and its evolution into a separate disorder. The phenomenological and quantitative criteria of the GAD diagnosis and their dynamics in current disorder classifications are discussed. The phenomenon of chronic worry is defined as the central symptom of GAD and the criteria for differentiating it from other intrusive thoughts are given. The most significant cognitive-behavioral models of GAD are described (T. Borovikov, A. Wells, M. Dugas). The article also includes a discussion of the CBT protocol for treating GAD and a short summary is given to all six modules of the protocol.