Worrying about the future: towards evidence-based prognosis in anxiety disorders. (2024)

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are a group of psychiatric disorders with high impact on patients and society due to its high prevalence, low treatment usage, high levels of comorbidity and disability. The clinical course is often chronic. In routine care, most emphasis lies on immediate treatment effects, whereas a focus on prognosis would be much appreciated. The first aim in this thesis was to expand on the knowledge about factors that impact the clinical course in anxiety disorders. To describe these factors an ordering across susceptibility markers, diagnostic markers, prognostic markers and predictive markers can be used. The findings in this thesis underscore the previous findings that low socio-economic status, female gender and younger age are related to subsequent development of anxiety disorders and are thereby a susceptibility marker. Lifetime history of anxiety disorders and family history of psychiatric disorders were used in chapter 5 to assign subjects to at-risk stages. These risk factors can be regarded as susceptibility markers for future development of anxiety disorders.By analysing and integrating the available literature on the topic of treatment resistance in anxiety disorders a new consensus definition was created for treatment resistant anxiety disorders. This definition included at least one first-line pharmacological treatment and one first-line psychotherapeutic treatment, provided for an adequate duration (at least 8 weeks) and according to local protocol. Additional criteria for lack of response and minimal symptom severity were formulated. This new definition could be used as a diagnostic marker for the more advanced stages of anxiety disorders. Duration of anxiety disorders could be seen as a diagnostic marker for the different stages of anxiety disorders, with longer duration indicating a more advanced stage of anxiety.The presence of subthreshold anxiety symptoms along with the presence of susceptibility markers seems an adequate diagnostic marker for the prodromal stages of anxiety disorders. Presence of chronic somatic diseases was found to be a poor prognostic marker in anxiety disorders and depressive disorders. In all stages of anxiety disorders, presence of psychiatric comorbidity was clearly associated with markedly worse outcomes at follow-up. Presence of psychiatric comorbidity should be seen as a poor prognostic marker.A measurement tool for the degree of treatment resistance in anxiety disorders was found to be moderately associated with the subsequent course during treatment. This treatment resistance score can be regarded as a predictive marker for anxiety disorders. The second main aim for this thesis was to improve predictions for the clinical course of anxiety disorders by assessing predictive properties of different prediction models. The first model presented is the clinical staging model (chapter 5). This prognostic model is based on a clinician-opinion model for disease progression in anxiety disorders. The second model presented (chapter 6) is a predictive model in which a dimensional measurement instrument was developed based on literature-derived criteria for advanced progression in anxiety disorders. The final prognostic model presented is a data-driven model (chapter 7) for naturalistic course in anxiety disorders. Overall, the accuracy of the predictions in the models presented were consistently moderate. Comparison with earlier prediction models in anxiety disorders are difficult as previous attempts are scarce.First, the results and integration of this thesis warrant applying the staging paradigm in anxiety disorders. Routinel care should therefore at least consist of a combined clinical assessment of previous duration, anxiety severity, presence of disability and presence and severity of comorbidity. Second, when assessing anxiety disorder patients, previous treatments and its effects should be assessed. The definition for treatment resistant anxiety disorders provided in this thesis could be used to align diagnostic criteria in this group and provide alignment with treatment guidelines.

Original languageEnglish
QualificationDr.
Awarding Institution
  • Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Supervisors/Advisors
  • van Balkom, Ton, Supervisor, External person
  • Penninx, B.W.J.H., Supervisor
  • Batelaan, Nelie Maaike, Co-supervisor, External person
Award date10 Dec 2021
Publisher
  • proefschrift-aio.nl
Print ISBNs9789493270176
Publication statusPublished - 10 Dec 2021

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • Worrying about the future: towards evidence-based prognosis in anxiety disorders. (1)

Access to Document

  • Worrying about the future: towards evidence-based prognosis in anxiety disorders.Final published version, 22 MB

  • Worrying about the future: towards evidence-based prognosis in anxiety disorders. - coverFinal published version, 186 KB

  • Worrying about the future: towards evidence-based prognosis in anxiety disorders. - title_pageFinal published version, 21.7 KB

Handle.net

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Worrying about the future: towards evidence-based prognosis in anxiety disorders.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    View full fingerprint

    Cite this

    • APA
    • Author
    • BIBTEX
    • Harvard
    • Standard
    • RIS
    • Vancouver

    Bokma, W. A. (2021). Worrying about the future: towards evidence-based prognosis in anxiety disorders. [PhD-Thesis - Research and graduation internal, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam]. proefschrift-aio.nl.

    Bokma, Wicher Alle. / Worrying about the future: towards evidence-based prognosis in anxiety disorders.. proefschrift-aio.nl, 2021. 308 p.

    @phdthesis{800ed13426564c74941aa61b17ee4890,

    title = "Worrying about the future: towards evidence-based prognosis in anxiety disorders.",

    abstract = "Anxiety disorders are a group of psychiatric disorders with high impact on patients and society due to its high prevalence, low treatment usage, high levels of comorbidity and disability. The clinical course is often chronic. In routine care, most emphasis lies on immediate treatment effects, whereas a focus on prognosis would be much appreciated. The first aim in this thesis was to expand on the knowledge about factors that impact the clinical course in anxiety disorders. To describe these factors an ordering across susceptibility markers, diagnostic markers, prognostic markers and predictive markers can be used. The findings in this thesis underscore the previous findings that low socio-economic status, female gender and younger age are related to subsequent development of anxiety disorders and are thereby a susceptibility marker. Lifetime history of anxiety disorders and family history of psychiatric disorders were used in chapter 5 to assign subjects to at-risk stages. These risk factors can be regarded as susceptibility markers for future development of anxiety disorders. By analysing and integrating the available literature on the topic of treatment resistance in anxiety disorders a new consensus definition was created for treatment resistant anxiety disorders. This definition included at least one first-line pharmacological treatment and one first-line psychotherapeutic treatment, provided for an adequate duration (at least 8 weeks) and according to local protocol. Additional criteria for lack of response and minimal symptom severity were formulated. This new definition could be used as a diagnostic marker for the more advanced stages of anxiety disorders. Duration of anxiety disorders could be seen as a diagnostic marker for the different stages of anxiety disorders, with longer duration indicating a more advanced stage of anxiety. The presence of subthreshold anxiety symptoms along with the presence of susceptibility markers seems an adequate diagnostic marker for the prodromal stages of anxiety disorders. Presence of chronic somatic diseases was found to be a poor prognostic marker in anxiety disorders and depressive disorders. In all stages of anxiety disorders, presence of psychiatric comorbidity was clearly associated with markedly worse outcomes at follow-up. Presence of psychiatric comorbidity should be seen as a poor prognostic marker. A measurement tool for the degree of treatment resistance in anxiety disorders was found to be moderately associated with the subsequent course during treatment. This treatment resistance score can be regarded as a predictive marker for anxiety disorders. The second main aim for this thesis was to improve predictions for the clinical course of anxiety disorders by assessing predictive properties of different prediction models. The first model presented is the clinical staging model (chapter 5). This prognostic model is based on a clinician-opinion model for disease progression in anxiety disorders. The second model presented (chapter 6) is a predictive model in which a dimensional measurement instrument was developed based on literature-derived criteria for advanced progression in anxiety disorders. The final prognostic model presented is a data-driven model (chapter 7) for naturalistic course in anxiety disorders. Overall, the accuracy of the predictions in the models presented were consistently moderate. Comparison with earlier prediction models in anxiety disorders are difficult as previous attempts are scarce. First, the results and integration of this thesis warrant applying the staging paradigm in anxiety disorders. Routinel care should therefore at least consist of a combined clinical assessment of previous duration, anxiety severity, presence of disability and presence and severity of comorbidity. Second, when assessing anxiety disorder patients, previous treatments and its effects should be assessed. The definition for treatment resistant anxiety disorders provided in this thesis could be used to align diagnostic criteria in this group and provide alignment with treatment guidelines.",

    author = "Bokma, {Wicher Alle}",

    year = "2021",

    month = dec,

    day = "10",

    language = "English",

    isbn = "9789493270176",

    publisher = "proefschrift-aio.nl",

    school = "Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam",

    }

    Bokma, WA 2021, 'Worrying about the future: towards evidence-based prognosis in anxiety disorders.', Dr., Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

    Worrying about the future: towards evidence-based prognosis in anxiety disorders. / Bokma, Wicher Alle.
    proefschrift-aio.nl, 2021. 308 p.

    Research output: PhD ThesisPhD-Thesis - Research and graduation internal

    TY - THES

    T1 - Worrying about the future: towards evidence-based prognosis in anxiety disorders.

    AU - Bokma, Wicher Alle

    PY - 2021/12/10

    Y1 - 2021/12/10

    N2 - Anxiety disorders are a group of psychiatric disorders with high impact on patients and society due to its high prevalence, low treatment usage, high levels of comorbidity and disability. The clinical course is often chronic. In routine care, most emphasis lies on immediate treatment effects, whereas a focus on prognosis would be much appreciated. The first aim in this thesis was to expand on the knowledge about factors that impact the clinical course in anxiety disorders. To describe these factors an ordering across susceptibility markers, diagnostic markers, prognostic markers and predictive markers can be used. The findings in this thesis underscore the previous findings that low socio-economic status, female gender and younger age are related to subsequent development of anxiety disorders and are thereby a susceptibility marker. Lifetime history of anxiety disorders and family history of psychiatric disorders were used in chapter 5 to assign subjects to at-risk stages. These risk factors can be regarded as susceptibility markers for future development of anxiety disorders.By analysing and integrating the available literature on the topic of treatment resistance in anxiety disorders a new consensus definition was created for treatment resistant anxiety disorders. This definition included at least one first-line pharmacological treatment and one first-line psychotherapeutic treatment, provided for an adequate duration (at least 8 weeks) and according to local protocol. Additional criteria for lack of response and minimal symptom severity were formulated. This new definition could be used as a diagnostic marker for the more advanced stages of anxiety disorders. Duration of anxiety disorders could be seen as a diagnostic marker for the different stages of anxiety disorders, with longer duration indicating a more advanced stage of anxiety.The presence of subthreshold anxiety symptoms along with the presence of susceptibility markers seems an adequate diagnostic marker for the prodromal stages of anxiety disorders. Presence of chronic somatic diseases was found to be a poor prognostic marker in anxiety disorders and depressive disorders. In all stages of anxiety disorders, presence of psychiatric comorbidity was clearly associated with markedly worse outcomes at follow-up. Presence of psychiatric comorbidity should be seen as a poor prognostic marker.A measurement tool for the degree of treatment resistance in anxiety disorders was found to be moderately associated with the subsequent course during treatment. This treatment resistance score can be regarded as a predictive marker for anxiety disorders. The second main aim for this thesis was to improve predictions for the clinical course of anxiety disorders by assessing predictive properties of different prediction models. The first model presented is the clinical staging model (chapter 5). This prognostic model is based on a clinician-opinion model for disease progression in anxiety disorders. The second model presented (chapter 6) is a predictive model in which a dimensional measurement instrument was developed based on literature-derived criteria for advanced progression in anxiety disorders. The final prognostic model presented is a data-driven model (chapter 7) for naturalistic course in anxiety disorders. Overall, the accuracy of the predictions in the models presented were consistently moderate. Comparison with earlier prediction models in anxiety disorders are difficult as previous attempts are scarce.First, the results and integration of this thesis warrant applying the staging paradigm in anxiety disorders. Routinel care should therefore at least consist of a combined clinical assessment of previous duration, anxiety severity, presence of disability and presence and severity of comorbidity. Second, when assessing anxiety disorder patients, previous treatments and its effects should be assessed. The definition for treatment resistant anxiety disorders provided in this thesis could be used to align diagnostic criteria in this group and provide alignment with treatment guidelines.

    AB - Anxiety disorders are a group of psychiatric disorders with high impact on patients and society due to its high prevalence, low treatment usage, high levels of comorbidity and disability. The clinical course is often chronic. In routine care, most emphasis lies on immediate treatment effects, whereas a focus on prognosis would be much appreciated. The first aim in this thesis was to expand on the knowledge about factors that impact the clinical course in anxiety disorders. To describe these factors an ordering across susceptibility markers, diagnostic markers, prognostic markers and predictive markers can be used. The findings in this thesis underscore the previous findings that low socio-economic status, female gender and younger age are related to subsequent development of anxiety disorders and are thereby a susceptibility marker. Lifetime history of anxiety disorders and family history of psychiatric disorders were used in chapter 5 to assign subjects to at-risk stages. These risk factors can be regarded as susceptibility markers for future development of anxiety disorders.By analysing and integrating the available literature on the topic of treatment resistance in anxiety disorders a new consensus definition was created for treatment resistant anxiety disorders. This definition included at least one first-line pharmacological treatment and one first-line psychotherapeutic treatment, provided for an adequate duration (at least 8 weeks) and according to local protocol. Additional criteria for lack of response and minimal symptom severity were formulated. This new definition could be used as a diagnostic marker for the more advanced stages of anxiety disorders. Duration of anxiety disorders could be seen as a diagnostic marker for the different stages of anxiety disorders, with longer duration indicating a more advanced stage of anxiety.The presence of subthreshold anxiety symptoms along with the presence of susceptibility markers seems an adequate diagnostic marker for the prodromal stages of anxiety disorders. Presence of chronic somatic diseases was found to be a poor prognostic marker in anxiety disorders and depressive disorders. In all stages of anxiety disorders, presence of psychiatric comorbidity was clearly associated with markedly worse outcomes at follow-up. Presence of psychiatric comorbidity should be seen as a poor prognostic marker.A measurement tool for the degree of treatment resistance in anxiety disorders was found to be moderately associated with the subsequent course during treatment. This treatment resistance score can be regarded as a predictive marker for anxiety disorders. The second main aim for this thesis was to improve predictions for the clinical course of anxiety disorders by assessing predictive properties of different prediction models. The first model presented is the clinical staging model (chapter 5). This prognostic model is based on a clinician-opinion model for disease progression in anxiety disorders. The second model presented (chapter 6) is a predictive model in which a dimensional measurement instrument was developed based on literature-derived criteria for advanced progression in anxiety disorders. The final prognostic model presented is a data-driven model (chapter 7) for naturalistic course in anxiety disorders. Overall, the accuracy of the predictions in the models presented were consistently moderate. Comparison with earlier prediction models in anxiety disorders are difficult as previous attempts are scarce.First, the results and integration of this thesis warrant applying the staging paradigm in anxiety disorders. Routinel care should therefore at least consist of a combined clinical assessment of previous duration, anxiety severity, presence of disability and presence and severity of comorbidity. Second, when assessing anxiety disorder patients, previous treatments and its effects should be assessed. The definition for treatment resistant anxiety disorders provided in this thesis could be used to align diagnostic criteria in this group and provide alignment with treatment guidelines.

    M3 - PhD-Thesis - Research and graduation internal

    SN - 9789493270176

    PB - proefschrift-aio.nl

    ER -

    Bokma WA. Worrying about the future: towards evidence-based prognosis in anxiety disorders.. proefschrift-aio.nl, 2021. 308 p.

    Worrying about the future: towards evidence-based prognosis in anxiety disorders. (2024)

    FAQs

    How to deal with anxiety 2023? ›

    Regardless of when or how one experiences anxiety, knowing ways to prevent or calm it can be helpful. Exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress; a healthy diet has, too. Calming techniques such as deep breathing, placing one's hands under warm water or meditation can also be effective practices.

    What are the 5 types of coping strategies for anxiety? ›

    Coping Strategies
    • Take a time-out. ...
    • Eat well-balanced meals. ...
    • Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
    • Get enough sleep. ...
    • Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. ...
    • Take deep breaths. ...
    • Count to 10 slowly. ...
    • Do your best.
    Sep 8, 2010

    What are coping mechanisms for worrying? ›

    Visualization techniques, meditation and yoga are examples of relaxation techniques that can ease anxiety. Make sleep a priority. Do what you can to make sure you're getting enough sleep to feel rested. If you aren't sleeping well, talk with your health care provider.

    What is the role of worry in anxiety? ›

    The phenomenon of worry is considered to arise from cognitive processes involved in anxiety, that serve to maintain high levels of vigilance for personal danger.

    Why do people with anxiety worry about the future? ›

    First, heightened anxiety in anticipation of aversive events might be more important than exaggerated responses to those events for understanding the neurobiological and psychological basis of anxiety disorders. Second, anxiety is related to anticipatory representations of possible (that is, uncertain) future events.

    What is anxiety due to fear of the future? ›

    What is Anticipatory Anxiety? Fear of the future is anticipatory anxiety. It's excessive worry about potential future events. People with anticipatory anxiety often experience panic attacks.

    What is the 3 3 3 rule for anxiety? ›

    The 333 rule for anxiety is an easy technique to remember and use in the moment if something is triggering your anxiety. It involves looking around your environment to identify three objects and three sounds, then moving three body parts.

    What are the three R's of anxiety management? ›

    Dr. Krishnaswami, an academic medical associate specializing in controlling common symptoms of anxiety, discusses the best tips and tricks including the Three R's (Recognize, Regroup, Redirect).

    What are the 4 Rs to overcome anxiety? ›

    Try Greeting Your Anxiety With the 4 Rs
    • Relabel. Start by labeling what you're dealing with. ...
    • Reattribute. Once you've ID'd what you're feeling, it's time to reattribute. ...
    • Refocus. Now that you've gotten a handle on what you're experiencing and why, it's time to refocus your mind. ...
    • Revalue.

    What can prolonged anxiety cause? ›

    Complications
    • Depression (which often occurs with an anxiety disorder) or other mental health disorders.
    • Substance misuse.
    • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
    • Digestive or bowel problems.
    • Headaches and chronic pain.
    • Social isolation.
    • Problems functioning at school or work.
    • Poor quality of life.

    When does anxiety become a disorder? ›

    Anxiety becomes a disorder when it's irrational, excessive and when it interferes with a person's ability to function in daily life. Anxiety disorders include: Generalised anxiety disorder. Social phobias – fear of social situations.

    When does anxiety become a problem? ›

    Anxiety becomes problematic when it is unexpectedly severe or lasts longer than anticipated after a stressful situation has ended, causes very marked personal upset, or causes someone to be unable to cope with everyday challenges.

    What is the anxiety rate in 2023? ›

    Nearly 4 in 10 (39.3%) adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in February 2021, compared to 32.3 percent in 2023.

    How to prepare for 2023 mentally? ›

    6 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health In 2023
    1. Take action to improve your self-esteem. Photo by Amanda Jones on Unsplash. ...
    2. Do not compare yourself to others. ...
    3. Live in the present moment. ...
    4. Exercise regularly. ...
    5. Take time for self-care. ...
    6. Start a psychotherapeutic process.
    Jan 13, 2023

    How can I improve my mental health in 2023? ›

    To ensure your mental well-being remains in check throughout 2023, set aside time for yourself. Whether it's reading a book, watching your favorite sport, or taking a yoga class, make sure to carve out some “me-time” each week. In addition, try to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life.

    What age group is the most stressed 2023? ›

    According to Cigna International Health's 2023 survey of almost 12,000 workers around the world, 91% of 18-to-24-year-olds report being stressed – compared to 84% on average. Research indicates Gen Z are emerging as the most stressed demographic in the workplace, and struggling mightily to cope.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Manual Maggio

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6534

    Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

    Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Manual Maggio

    Birthday: 1998-01-20

    Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242

    Phone: +577037762465

    Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor

    Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis

    Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.