The acceptability and feasibility of group cognitive behavioural therapy for older adults with generalised anxiety disorder

BACKGROUND: Group psychotherapy for older adults with generalised anxiety disorder is an under-researched area. AIM: This report describes a mixed method evaluation of the acceptability and feasibility of an Overcoming Worry Group. METHOD: The Overcoming Worry Group was a novel adaptation of a cognitive behavioural therapy protocol targeting intolerance-of-uncertainty for generalised anxiety disorder, tailored for delivery to older adults in a group setting (n = 13). RESULTS: The adapted protocol was found to be acceptable and feasible, and treatment outcomes observed were encouraging. CONCLUSIONS: This proof-of-concept study provides evidence for an Overcoming Worry Group as an acceptable and feasible group treatment for older adults with generalised anxiety disorder.