Early emotional memories and bonding as predictors of short-term and long-term outcome in adults with generalized anxiety disorder.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether emotional memories of childhood parenting could predict treatment outcomes in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) patients receiving mindfulness-based intervention (BMT), fluoxetine (FLX), or quality of life (QoL) therapy.
Results Summary
Negative childhood memories predicted greater anxiety symptom reduction with BMT compared to FLX and QoL, while positive childhood memories predicted better outcomes in the QoL group. Mindfulness-based interventions were particularly beneficial for individuals with early memories of subordination and threat.
Population
124 participants with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) from a randomized controlled trial.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Pre- and post-treatment, with follow-up after 18 months (exact intervention duration not specified).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based intervention (Body in Mind Training [BMT]) | decrease | anxiety symptoms | patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) | - | predicted a greater reduction | #1 |
fluoxetine (FLX) | decrease | anxiety symptoms | patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) | - | predicted a greater reduction | #2 |
active control group (quality of life [QoL]) | decrease | anxiety symptoms | patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) | - | predicted more symptomatic improvement | #3 |
The impact of childhood experiences on the development of psychopathology is well established in the literature. Few studies, however, have assessed parental bonding during childhood as a predictor of response to anxiety disorders treatment. The aim of the study was to examine whether emotional memories of childhood parenting could predict short-term and long-term outcome in three different interventions for patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): mindfulness-based intervention (Body in Mind Training [BMT]), fluoxetine (FLX), and an active control group (quality of life [QoL]). A total of 124 participants from a randomized controlled trial for GAD treatment were evaluated pre- and post-treatment and after 18 months. Patients were assessed for the severity of GAD symptoms (GAD-7, PSWQ, and DERS), early memories of warmth and safeness (EMWSS), and recall of perceived threat and subordination/submission in childhood (ELES). Negative childhood memories predicted a greater reduction in anxiety symptoms on BMT treatment compared to FLX and QoL, whereas positive childhood memories predicted more symptomatic improvement in the QoL group. Our findings suggest that individuals with GAD who have early memories of subordination and threat appear to benefit more from interventions that focus on developing emotion-regulation strategies and enhancing self-compassion, such as mindfulness-based interventions.