Effectiveness of Eclectic Islamic Therapy with Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Clinical Trial

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of an Islamic therapy introduced in this study for the first time as; Eclectic Islamic Therapy (EIT) a comprehensive therapy in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). There is a growing interest in culturally and spiritually integrated approaches for the purpose of treatment of psychological disorders, such as Islamically integrated therapy. The aim of the study was to find out efficacy of Eclectic Islamic Therapy with GAD. Sample was selected from clinical population; purposive and convenience sampling technique was used as data collection was done with the help of availability of cases of GAD (diagnosed) age range of 18 to 60 years were selected, for sustained period of time for treatment intervention. After detailed clinical interview, psychological testing (total N=5) and tentative diagnosis, treatment was started. For study purpose they were assessed with the help of IPAT Anxiety Scale (Cattell R. B., Krug, S. E. & Scheir, I. H. 1976) for pre and post measures. For additional assessment, DSM 5 TR based symptoms check lists for was used as well. Given the small sample size (for clinical trial), data for the research was analyzed by SPSS 25, and non-parametric test; Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used. Findings revealed a significant impact of Islamic principle-based intervention as an effective treatment approach for GAD population. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test revealed a significant change after treatment with large effect size for IPAT as well as GADSCL. Looking at the eefctiveness of EIT with GAD, further studies should be structured for other populations and it is highly important to establish structured intervention guidelines and manuals for EIT to facilitate replication of the study in future.