Objective To analyze the effects of painting and medication intervention on psychological state, compliance and quality of life in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Methods A total of 70 patients with GAD from May 2020 to September 2022 were included as study subjects, among whom 35 patients receiving single drug intervention were included in single group, and 35 patients receiving painting combined drug intervention were included in combined group. The psychological state scores and intervention compliance of the subjects in the two groups were analyzed, the life quality scores and serum factor expression levels of the subjects in the two groups were compared before and after intervention, and the changes in sleep quality of the two groups were observed before and after intervention.

Results After intervention, the scores of Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) in the two groups were decreased compared with those before intervention, but their scores in the combined group were lower, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The total compliance rate of the combined group was higher than that of the single group (P < 0.05). After intervention, the 36-item Shot-form Health Status Survey (SF-36) scores of the two groups were improved compared with that before intervention, and the SF-36 score of the combined group was higher, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). After intervention, the expression levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the combined group were lower than those in the single group, and the expression level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was higher than those in the single group (P < 0.05). After intervention, the sleep quality of the two groups was improved compared with that before intervention, but the improvement degree of the combined group was higher (P < 0.05).

Conclusion Painting combined with drug intervention can effectively improve the adverse psychological state of GAD patients, improve their intervention compliance, and further improve their quality of life and sleep quality.