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Anxiety Disorder - Therapy

Roberts, Luo, Briley, Chow, Su, and Hill, conducted a meta-analysis of therapeutic interventions on personality traits on a variety of subjects with different psychological disorders. After vetting studies for a focus on personality traits, inclusion of a pre-test/post-test design, and reported changed in personality trait effect size, they included 207 published journal articles and unpublished dissertations in their analyses. They then coded the variables (sample, type of therapeutic intervention, personality trait measured, and effect size of personality change) and analyzed the results accordingly.

As referenced in the meta-analysis conducted by Roberts et al., studies show that abnormal levels of the Big-Five Personality traits, specifically neuroticism and extraversion, are related to psychopathology. Pharmacological therapy, supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy and mixed forms of these therapies are all successful in positively affecting these personality traits; however, hospitalization is not. Supportive therapy and mixed therapy are especially effective in positively affecting neuroticism, a key indicator of anxiety disorders.

There has long been a belief that personality change happens gradually over an extended period of time. This belief stems from longitudinal studies of personality in which personality traits were only measured months or years apart. However, recent analysis suggests that this belief is outdated and that significant changes in personality traits can happen in a matter of weeks. The meta-analysis of various types of therapeutic interventions, mentioned above, showed that much of the measurable change in personality happens in the first month of therapy and increases in change until about 8 weeks in before leveling off. These results were true across all genders and ages ranging from adolescence to late adulthood. Though more research needs to be done on the long-term effects of therapy, there is currently no evidence to support that the changes in personality attained during therapy fade over time.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for anxiety disorders and is a first line treatment. It is one of the most effective therapies in positively impacting the emotional stability of patients. CBT appears to be equally effective when carried out via the internet. Though evidence for mental health apps is promising, it is still preliminary.

Self-help books can contribute to the treatment of people with anxiety disorders.

Mindfulness based programs also appear to be effective for managing anxiety disorders. Roberts et. al also finds that mindfulness interventions have shown to be associated in positive changes in conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism. It is unclear if meditation has an effect on anxiety and transcendental meditation appears to be no different than other types of meditation.

A 2015 Cochrane review of Morita therapy for anxiety disorder in adults found not enough evidence to draw a conclusion.

APA Reference Citations:

Roberts, B. W., Luo, J., Briley, D. A., Chow, P. I., Su, R., & Hill, P. L. (2017). A systematic review of personality trait change through intervention. Psychological Bulletin, 143(2), 117-141. doi:10.1037/bul0000088