Abstract
This study examined the efficacy of an Internet-delivered cognitive-behavior therapy program developed for older adults. Twenty-two participants with elevated scores (≥8) on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7) participated in the course, which consisted of five lessons, homework tasks, additional resources, a moderated discussion forum, and weekly telephone support from a Clinical Psychologist. Ninety-five percent of the sample met diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder at pre-treatment. All participants completed the five lessons within the allotted eight weeks. Three-month follow-up data was collected from 95% of participants. Reductions in symptoms of anxiety and stress, with large within-group effect sizes (Cohen's . d) were found on the GAD-7 (. d=. 1.03) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales - 21 Items (. d=. 0.98) at follow-up. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. These encouraging results provide tentative support for the online treatment of older adults with anxiety.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 650-655 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Anxiety Disorders |
Volume | 26 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2012 |