Randomized controlled trial of a modular, transdiagnostic, cognitive-behavioral anxiety intervention versus primary care behavioral health treatment as usual.

In 30 seconds

This multicenter randomized controlled trial evaluated Modular Anxiety Skills Training (MAST) against primary care behavioral health treatment as usual (TAU) in 167 primary care patients. While no significant differences were found between the two treatments at 16 weeks, both groups showed improvements in anxiety severity and impairment, with MAST showing further reductions at 28 weeks. Effect sizes ranged from 0.21 to 0.61.

Key findings

• Both MAST and TAU led to significant improvements in overall anxiety severity and impairment.
• Effect sizes for improvements ranged from 0.21 to 0.61.
• Participants receiving MAST showed further significant reduction in anxiety at 28-week follow-up.
• Baseline depression severity moderated the effect, with those having moderate to severe depression responding better to MAST.

Why it matters

This study highlights the potential of modular cognitive-behavioral interventions in primary care settings, particularly for patients with comorbid depression, addressing the anxiety treatment gap effectively.