Marital functioning and the anxiety disorders

The present paper provides a review of the literature on the relationship between marital factors and anxiety disorders. The review is based on both a descriptive and quantitative analysis. Studies of the marital relationship and outcome of exposure therapy are reviewed, as are studies investigating the effects of exposure therapy on the partner and on the marital relationship. Results with respect to the effects of marital distress on outcome are inconclusive. Exposure does not have a negative impact on the partner or the relationship. In agoraphobia, spouse-aided therapy is no more effective than individual exposure therapy. In obsessive-compulsive patients, results are inconclusive.