Chinese Taoist Cognitive Psychotherapy in the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Contemporary China

Abstract

Chinese Taoist cognitive psychotherapy (CTCP) combines elements of cognitive therapy and Taoist philosophy. Empirical evidence of its efficacy and mechanisms of action is lacking. This study compared the efficacy of CTCP, benzodiazepines (BDZ), and combined treatment in Chinese patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). In total, 143 patients with GAD were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: CTCP only, BDZ only, or combined CTCP and BDZ treatment. Patients were evaluated at intake, and re-examined one and six months after treatment. The results indicated that BDZ treatment rapidly reduced symptoms of GAD at one month, but its effect was lost at six months. CTCP reduced symptoms more slowly and its effect was significant after six months of treatment. Combined treatment led to acute, as well as enduring, symptom reduction. Unlike BDZ treatment, CTCP reduced type A behavior, improved coping style, and decreased neuroticism. It is concluded that CTCP with or without BDZ treatment is a more effective, although slower, method for the treatment of GAD than BDZ for GAD patients in urban China.

Empirically supported religious and spiritual therapies

“…Taoist CT shares broad principles with secular CT, yet it is based in the philosophy of Taoism, which encourages one to conform to natural laws, to let go of excessive control, and to flexibly allow one's personality to develop (Zhang et al, 2002). The goal of Taoist CT is to regulate negative affect, correct maladaptive behavior, and change modes of thinking and coping (Zhang et al).…”

“…Evidence for efficacy and specificity Zhang et al (2002) compared Chinese Taoist CT with a benzodiazepine medication condition and a combined therapy medication condition for generalized anxiety disorder. At 1 month, participants in the Chinese Taoist CT condition showed less improvement in anxiety symptoms than did participants in the other conditions.…”

Faith-adapted psychological therapies for depression and anxiety: Systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Two studies (Gibbel, 2011;Rosmarin, 2010) used computer-delivered therapy, four (Azhar and Varma, 1995;Azhar et al, 1994;Barron, 2007;Bowland et al, 2012) used face-to-face group sessions and ten (Akuchekian et al, 2011;Armento et al, 2012;Ebrahimi et al, 2013;Johnson and Ridley, 1992;Johnson et al, 1994;Pecheur and Edwards, 1984;Propst et al, 1992;Razali et al, 2002;Razali et al, 1998;Zhang et al, 2002) provided individual face-to-face sessions. There was no significant difference between the average length (in weeks) or duration (in minutes) of F-CBT provided in group settings, compared with individual sessions.…”

“…Only one study (Bowland et al, 2012) adopted an existing Problems of researcher allegiance may be compounded if the researcher acts as the therapist. Eight studies (Akuchekian et al, 2011;Armento et al, 2012;Barron, 2007;Bowland et al, 2012;Johnson and Ridley, 1992;Pecheur and Edwards, 1984;Propst et al, 1992;Zhang et al, 2002) reported that the primary researcher took an active part in delivering one or both therapies, and only one study (Johnson et al, 1994) made it clear that the primary researcher did not deliver any therapy. In the remaining five studies (Azhar and Varma, 1995;Azhar et al, 1994;Ebrahimi et al, 2013;Razali et al, 2002;Razali et al, 1998) it was unclear whether the researchers acted as therapists.…”

State of the Science on Psychosocial Interventions for Ethnic Minorities

“…Zhang et al (2002) developed an intervention called Chinese Taoist Cognitive Psychotherapy, which combines elements from cognitive therapy with Taoist philosophy. They randomly assigned 143 Chinese patients (in China) with generalized anxiety disorder to one of three conditions: the Taoist-adapted cognitive therapy, benzodiazepines, or a combined condition.…”