Comparative Evaluation of Two Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy
1Tina Abbasi, 2Raheem janjua, 3Abbas Ali, 4Dr Muhammad Sami Bilal, 5Jabved Butt, 6Dr. Ali Hasnain
1Mayo Hospital Lahore
2Sir Gangram Hospital Lahore
3UHS LAhore
4Assistant Professor, College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSP) Pakistan
5UHS Lahore
6PIMS Islamabad
Vol: 15/04
Received: August 03, 2025 Accepted: Novemver 28, 2025 Published: December 26, 2025
ABSTRACT:
Background: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent and persistent mental health condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that substantially impairs psychological well-being, daily functioning, and quality of life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has long been considered the first-line psychological intervention for GAD, while Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBT) has emerged as an effective alternative by promoting present-moment awareness and emotional regulation. Despite their widespread use, comparative evidence regarding their relative effectiveness remains an area of ongoing investigation. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy in reducing anxiety symptoms, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing health-related quality of life among individuals diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Methods: A comparative, prospective study was conducted involving 120 adults diagnosed with GAD according to standardized diagnostic criteria. Participants were allocated to either a CBT group (n = 60) or an MBT group (n = 60) and received 12 weeks of structured therapeutic intervention. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using validated measures, including the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Statistical analyses were performed using independent and paired t-tests, with statistical significance established at p < 0.05. Results: Both interventions produced significant reductions in anxiety severity and improvements in emotional well-being and quality of life following treatment (p < 0.001). CBT appears to provide greater benefits in modifying dysfunctional cognitions and reducing anxiety severity, whereas MBT offers complementary advantages in emotional regulation and long-term psychological resilience. Integrating mindfulness-based techniques with cognitive behavioral approaches may optimize therapeutic outcomes for individuals with GAD. Further multicenter randomized controlled trials with extended follow-up are warranted to establish long-term comparative effectiveness. Keywords: Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Anxiety, Psychological Interventions, Emotional Regulation, Quality of Life, Mental Health, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,