Gestalt Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Anxiety Disorders

Strategic Insights -

Current research on mental health diseases and conditions has produced findings suggesting that Gestalt therapy may be an effective approach in addressing anxiety disorders. A study conducted in Limoges, France, involved 319 subjects with mood and/or anxiety disorders participating in a 33-session psychotherapeutic program. The results indicated statistically significant differences in anxiety levels before and after the program, with participants showing improved psychological states.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Gestalt therapy in treating anxiety disorders, using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-125) to evaluate the impact of the therapy.
  • A total of 319 subjects with mood and/or anxiety disorders participated in the 33-session psychotherapeutic program, with statistical analysis revealing significant improvements in anxiety levels.
  • The study utilized the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and visual analog scale (VAS) to assess subjective psychological states before and after the program.
  • The research concluded that further studies are needed to confirm the results and better identify the benefits and problem profiles for GT.
  • Notable authors contributing to the research include Jean-Luc Vallejo, Benjamin Calvet, Yves Plu, Isabelle Soulat, Alexandra Foucher, and Jean-Pierre Clement.

Statistics:

  • 319 subjects with mood and/or anxiety disorders participated in the 33-session psychotherapeutic program.
  • The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-125) was used to assess the impact of the therapy, with all TCI-125 scores adjusted for potential confounding factors.
  • Statistically significant differences between initial and final mean scores were observed for anxiety (t = 16.46; p < 0.001).
  • The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to assess subjective psychological states before and after the program.

Sources:

  • Jean-Luc Vallejo et.al. "Use of the Temperament and Character Inventory to describe the effectiveness of Gestalt therapy." Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2025;16:1280954.
  • Frontiers in Psychiatry, Avenue Du Tribunal Federal 34, Lausanne, Ch-1015, Switzerland.
  • NewsRx. Reports from Jean-Luc Vallejo et al Highlight Recent Findings in Anxiety Disorders (Use of the Temperament and Character Inventory to describe the effectiveness of Gestalt therapy). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 5079.