Quality of life outcomes following transdiagnostic group cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety

Individuals with anxiety disorders experience decrements in quality of life (QoL), though it is seldom assessed as an outcome in treatment studies. This study examined QoL as an outcome following transdiagnostic group cognitive-behavioral therapy (TGCBT) for anxiety. Treatment-seeking adults (N = 129; Mage = 33.1; 47.4% female) with social phobia, panic disorder, and/or generalized anxiety disorder rated their QoL by self-report before and after participating in TGCBT. Using general linear modeling, QoL was found to be similar across diagnostic groups both prior to and following treatment, with the exception that individuals diagnosed with social phobia scored significantly lower than the others in social functioning- related QoL following treatment. Otherwise, these groups improved similarly in overall QoL and achievement-, social functioning-, and personal growth-related QoL following 12 weeks of TGCBT. Thus, QoL significantly improves following transdiagnostic group treatment and represents a valuable outcome measure that can contribute to clinical assessment.