Study-Description

The Adjunctive Couple-Family Therapy for Anxiety Disorders Study (ACFTAD) is a research study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of adjunctive couple or family therapy as an addition to primary treatment for anxiety disorders. This approach aims to improve treatment outcomes through the involvement of family members in the therapeutic process.
The therapy typically includes:
Sessions with couples or families: Working with the key people in the patient’s life to strengthen support systems and address family dynamics that affect anxiety.
Education and support: Educational programs and support for family members to better understand anxiety disorders and management strategies.
Identification and change of dysfunctional patterns: Identifying and altering negative family or couple patterns that may contribute to the patient’s anxiety.

Analysis and Use of Data

The analysis of data in the ACFTAD study involves evaluating the effectiveness of adjunctive therapy compared to other forms of therapy or without the addition of family/couple therapy. Key factors examined include:
Anxiety Outcomes: Improvement in the patient’s anxiety symptoms, measuring changes in frequency, intensity, and impact of symptoms.
Management of Family Relationships: Assessment of improvements in family relationships and quality of life for family members.
Participation and Satisfaction: Levels of participation and satisfaction among family members regarding the therapy and the impact of their involvement on the patient’s treatment.

Purpose

The primary aim of the ACFTAD study is to explore whether adjunctive couple or family therapy can enhance treatment outcomes for anxiety disorders. Specifically:
Enhancing Therapy: Investigating how family or couple involvement affects therapy outcomes.
Strengthening Support: Providing strategies to improve support from family or couples.
Assessing Effectiveness: Evaluating the effectiveness of adjunctive therapy compared to traditional individual therapy.

Scoring

Scoring in the ACFTAD study generally involves assessing the effectiveness of adjunctive therapy based on:
Anxiety Indicators: Using scales and questionnaires to measure anxiety symptoms before, during, and after the therapy.
Family Relationship Management: Evaluations of changes in family relationships and dynamics using qualitative and quantitative tools.
Participation and Satisfaction: Collecting data on the participation and satisfaction of family members with the therapy.

Bibliography

Gordis, J., & Weiner, M. (2013). Adjunctive couple-family therapy for anxiety disorders: A review of treatment outcomes. Journal of Family Therapy.
Hofmann, S. G., & Smits, J. A. J. (2011). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
Meyer, B., & Smith, J. D. (2017). Effectiveness of family interventions in the treatment of anxiety disorders: A systematic review. Family Process.