Abstract

The Intolerance of Uncertainty (IOU) model of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) [1] integrates a range of psychological processes including positive beliefs about worry and a negative problem orientation, with IOU as a central vulnerability and maintaining factor. We describe the rationale behind a treatment approach applied as an adjunctive intervention in a non-inferiority trial comparing Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBT) and Emotional-Focused Therapy (EFT); [2]. The approach incorporated amendments to the Dugas et al. [3] protocol, including targeting developmental factors and triggering events. Here we describe the clinical observation informed rationale for the amendments and how they were incorporated.

Keywords: Cognitive behavioural therapy; Generalised anxiety disorder; Intolerance of uncertainty; Worry; Schema; Attachment; Treatment; APA: American Psychiatric Association

Abbreviations: IOU: Intolerance of Uncertainty; GAD: Generalized Anxiety Disorder; CBT: Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy; EFT: Emotional-Focused Therapy