Habit Change Anxiety - Personalizing Anxiety Treatment: The Science of Psychological Phenotyping

Cluster-Based Psychological Phenotyping and Differences in Anxiety Treatment Outcomes

In this episode, Dr. Jud Brewer and colleagues explore how machine learning and psychological phenotyping can optimize treatment for anxiety disorders. Through a groundbreaking study involving app-based mindfulness training, participants were grouped into three psychological phenotypes: "severely anxious with body/emotional awareness," "body/emotionally unaware," and "non-reactive and aware." The study demonstrates how cluster membership significantly influences treatment outcomes, with two phenotypes showing marked improvements in anxiety symptoms. This research sets the stage for personalized medicine in mental health, offering low-cost, scalable solutions to match individuals with tailored interventions for better results.

Full Reference:
Taylor, V. A., Roy, A., & Brewer, J. A. (2023). Cluster-based psychological phenotyping and differences in anxiety treatment outcomes. Scientific Reports, 13, 3055. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-28660-7

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