| resumeang: BACKGROUND: Pharmacological and psychological treatments for anxiety are often combined in clinical practice but there is little research from which to predict the effects. METHOD: The theoretical outcomes of combining treatments and methods of investigating these as well as methodological difficulties are described. Studies which have been completed in anxiety disorders are reviewed. A double-blind trial, using a factorial design, evaluated buspirone v. placebo and anxiety management training v. non-directive therapy in 60 patients with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). RESULTS: Relatively few germane studies have been carried out in the anxiety disorders except for panic disorder with agoraphobia. There is some evidence that short-term, combined treatment does confer additional benefits which are evident both in speed of onset and lasting remission. All four treatment combinations proved effective in the short-term treatment of GAD. CONCLUSIONS: More studies examining combined treatment are needed. Although differences may not be apparent at the end of the treatment period, psychological treatment appears to confer advantages at follow-up. |
