Randomized Clinical Trial of a Mindfulness Based Intervention in Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is the most prevalent Anxiety Disorder after Specific Phobia. It is characterized by persistent and excessive anxiety and worry about different domains of life that is difficult to control, and the individuals can experience physical symptoms, like restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating or mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance. Also, GAD is one of the most common mental disorders in primary care settings, and it is associated with increased use of health care resources and disability, functional impairment, psychiatric and medical comorbidities.

Despite its prevalence and impairment, this disorder is under-recognized, and less than one-third of patients are adequately treated. The literature demonstrates that either psychotropic medications or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) appear to be effective for treating GAD. However, a substantial number of patients do not respond to initial treatment, and, although the response rates are inconsistent across studies, only 38% of the treated patients have a remission after five years. Moreover, GAD is usually a chronic disorder with a waxing and waning course, requiring a long-term treatment.

In relation to some biological mechanisms in GAD, some studies report an enhanced Error-Related Negativity (ERN) and a lower Heart Rate Variability (HRV) in GAD patients. The first biological marker could be associated with anxious apprehension and the main findings are found in GAD while the second one reflects a reduction in parasympathetic modulation. On the other hand, it is already known that mindfulness meditation practice is associated with increase in autonomic regulation by stimulating the parasympathetic system. In relation to cognitive factors, the literature demonstrates that GAD patients have a higher level of experiential avoidance and distress about emotions, more negative believes about worry and meta-worry.

Mindfulness is a practice developed to foster self-regulation. Historically, the mindfulness exercises used in clinical protocols are linked with the Buddhist framework in which it is a means to alleviate suffering and cultivate compassion. In the West, the role of mindfulness in health promotion has been the target of studies since the 70s and it has been incorporated in cognitive-behavioural treatments. The Body in mind training (BMT) is a treatment protocol that focuses on movement and motor system as a tool for mindfulness practice. More than three decades of studies have shown the positive effects of mindfulness based interventions (MBIs) in both mental and physical health and quality of life either in general population or clinical populations. Also, MBIs seem to be effective and a lasting alternative to treat anxiety. In relation to GAD, some studies have shown that MBI's are effective, but, in generally, they are limited by the small sample size or the use of waiting list control instead of an active control group.

So, the objective of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of BMT intervention and compared to Fluoxetine and a Quality of Life Group in the treatment of GAD patients. Also, we intend to evaluate some biological and cognitive mechanisms of these different treatments through mediators analysis.

It is a single blind Randomized Controlled Trial with three arms of treatments. The individuals will be recruited in the community. Generalized Anxiety patients (according to Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview) will be randomly allocated (in a 1:1:1 ratio) to receive either antidepressant: BMT: Control Group. Research assessors will be masked. Because of the nature of the interventions, patients and clinicians will be aware of treatment allocation. The duration of the treatments is 8 weeks.

Before, in the week 5, and after the interventions, participants will be assessed with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Action and Acceptance Questionnaire (AAQ), Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), Metacognition Questionnaire (MCQ-30), Meta-worry Questionnaire (MWQ), WHOQOL-Bref. Also, before the interventions, participants will answer the Early Life Experiences Scale (ELES) and Early Memories of Warmth and Safeness Scale (EMWSS). The HRV and ERN will be assessed before and after the interventions.