The effect of group cognitive behavior combined hypnotherapy on neuroendocrine and physical symptoms in patients with anxiety disorders

INTERVENTION: All participants will be assigned to group cognitive hypnotherapy (GCBH) or standard treatment (ST) in a 1:1 ratio using a computerized block randomization algorithm. All patients will receive general medical care and anxiolytics. Patients in the experimental group will receive a 6‐week group cognitive hypnosis intervention. The topics are understanding anxiety and finding a safe place, finding cognitive biases, identifying automatic thoughts, accepting imperfections, and learning self‐hypnosis to experience relaxation, self‐management and relapse prevention. The control group will receive only conventional medication and care. CONDITION: Anxiety disorders ; Mental and Behavioural Disorders PRIMARY OUTCOME: ; Measured at baseline week 0 and after treatment at week 6:; 1. Anxiety levels in patients with anxiety disorders measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Inventory (HAMA) and Self‐Assessment Scales for Anxiety (SAS); 2. Somatic symptoms in patients with anxiety disorders measured using the Somatization Symptom Checklist (SSS); SECONDARY OUTCOME: Neuroendocrine levels (plasma cortisol [COR], serum triiodothyronine [T3], thyroid hormone [T4] and thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH]) measured using blood samples at baseline week 0 and after the intervention at week 6 INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. ICD‐10 diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder 2. Anxiety disorder lasting more than 3 months but not more than 3 years 3. Ability to express and understand simple Chinese characters 4. Informed consent and voluntary participation in the study