Internet-based treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (the Worry program): A randomized controlled study exploring the role of a clinician.

INTERVENTION: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) Treatment with clinician‐assisted Internet based treatment for GAD, or; 2) Treatment with self‐guided Internet based treatment for GAD, or; 3) Waitlist control. All participants will meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th Edition (DSM‐IV) criteria for GAD. All group 1 and group 2 participants will complete 6 lessons of Internet based treatment about the management of symptoms of GAD. One lesson will be completed every 7 to 14 days. Each lesson will take about 15 minutes to complete. Group 1 participants will have access to summaries of each lesson, will contribute to an online forum moderated by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, and will receive weekly reminder emails. Group 2 participants will have access to summaries of each lesson, and will receive weekly reminder emails. The duration of the program is up to 10 weeks, but participants will be contacted 3 months post program and asked to complete follow‐up questionnaires. Study questionnaires will be administered at application, pre‐treatment, post‐treatment, and at 3‐month post‐treatment. These will take about 20 minutes to complete. The treatment materials are based on cognitive behavioural techniques. CONDITION: Mental Health PRIMARY OUTCOME: Symptoms of GAD are also measured by the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). Symptoms of GAD are measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder ‐ 7 Item (GAD‐7) questionnaire. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Disability is measured by the Sheehan Disability Scale. Psychological distress is measured by the Kessler‐10 (K‐10). Symptoms and severity of depression is measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9). INCLUSION CRITERIA: Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association‐4th Edition (DSM‐IV) criteria for GAD ‐ Internet access + printer access. ‐ Australian citizen‐ Males and females