In this article by author Katherine Harmon in Scientific America titled, Observations:Nonexpert treatment shown to be more effective than primary care describes a protocol that allows patients the flexibility of using a combination of pharmacological based treatment and/ or computer assisted cognitive behavioral therapy.
In reading the study, the purpose of it was to develop a short term treatment method for those patients suffering from anxiety who may be reluctant to receive treatment. One of the features of anxiety is often an inability to demonstrate self efficacy and get the resources needed to help manage symptoms. Additionally the researchers also wanted to lower the demands on the primary care physician, psychiatrists, and psychologists within the managed care system, which most likely translates into the desire to find ways of lowering delivery costs.
While the Scientific America article is titled and references "nonexpert treatment"; it appears to be inaccurate. The treatment protocol utilizes a nurse or masters level therapist with some training in anxiety disorders, to perform an intake, inform the patient on treatment options, provide psychoeducation on anxiety disorders, and instruct patients on how to use the computer guided treatment program. All of which take place in person. Psychiatrists prescribe and oversee those using medications. Psychologists monitor the patient's attendance and self reports in order to determine if other more in-depth interventions are needed.
The novelty of this program is not the absence of mental health professionals or "experts", but rather the additional use of a computer assisted anxiety reduction tool. This allows both the patient and those monitoring the outcome data, a method of treatment that is both convenient and more cost effective than providing more traditional talk therapy.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective types of treatment for GAD.
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