Table 1 Study inclusion and exclusion criteria with rationale
Inclusion criteria | Rationale |
1. Australian resident | Study population |
2. Aged 18 or above | Study population |
3. Fluent in English | Treatment confound/participant concern |
4. Meet criteria for GAD as primary disorder and disorder is of at least “moderate severity” (defined as a score of 4 on the DIAMOND module severity measure) | Study population |
5. Medication free or on a stable dose of psychotropic medication | Treatment confound |
6. Not currently receiving regular psychological services for their GAD symptoms (defined as sessions at least once a week with a qualified mental health professional) | Treatment confound |
Exclusion criteria | Rationale |
1. Severe depressive symptoms as assessed by a score of 20 or above on the PHQ-9 | Participant safety |
2. Are at suicide risk as assessed by a score of “2” (more than half the days) or higher on item 9 of the PHQ-9 on the screening questions or via clinician judgment during the telephone interview using the C-SSRS | Participant safety |
3. Engage in daily alcohol use or daily illicit drug use | Treatment confound |
4. Presence of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder as assessed by the DIAMOND | Treatment confound |
5. Significant cognitive/intellectual impairment as assessed during diagnostic interview | Treatment confound |
6. Medical condition that may interfere with treatment | Treatment confound |
7. Do not have access to a computer with a camera and stable internet on a regular basis | Feasibility |