Negative Life Events and Avoidant Coping are Associated with Poorer Long-Term Outcome in Older Adults Treated for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Abstract

The objective of this investigation was to explore predictors of long-term outcome following treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in older adults. A small sample of older adults (N = 27) were randomized into a modular cognitive behavioral therapy protocol or enhanced community treatment for 12 weeks and followed for one year. Results from random effects regression models indicated that baseline levels of anxiety symptoms, avoidant coping, and negative life events are significantly associated with anxiety across follow-up. These preliminary data suggest that negative life events and avoidant coping may merit further investigation as predictors of long-term treatment outcome in geriatric GAD.