Limitations of the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale as a primary outcome measure in randomized, controlled trials of treatments for generalized anxiety disorder.

摘要

To the Editor: In the August 2009 issue of the Journal, Falk Leichsenring, D.Sc, et al. (1) presented findings from a randomized, controlled trial comparing short-term psycho-dynamic psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. We are pleased to see a trial assessing the efficacy of short-term psy-chodynamic psychotherapy, a form of psychotherapy that has not been adequately studied in the treatment of anxiety disorders. However, despite the importance of the questions addressed in this study, there is a serious methodological concern that limits the conclusions that can be drawn.