Do measures used in studies of anxiety disorders reflect activities and participation as defined in the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health?

BACKGROUND: Besides the measurement of symptoms, information on functioning and disability in daily routines expands the description of impairments in patients with anxiety disorders. Therefore, the measurement of activities and participation, as theoretically included in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is of increasing importance. The objective of this study is to give an overview over the implementation of the concept 'activities and participation' in outcome measurements of patients with anxiety disorders.

METHODS: Based on a literature review in PubMed and PsycInfo databases and including 200 papers, this study analyses 65 outcome instruments used in randomized controlled trials in anxiety disorders according to their content related to the ICF domain of 'Activities and participation'.

RESULTS: Instruments used in trials evaluating outcome in patients with anxiety disorder only partially address activities and participation. Over all 65 instruments, the chapters on 'Interpersonal interactions and relationships' and 'Mobility' were most frequently included in measurements.

CONCLUSIONS: The identification of relevant ICF categories (core sets) according to activities and participation and especially interpersonal interactions and relationships as well as mobility, can be a basis for describing functioning and evaluating treatment in anxiety disorders, helping to improve outcome assessment in clinical practice.