Cognitive Therapy in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

Summary: In recent years, considerable progress has been made in developing effective cognitive treatments for anxiety disorders. This article provides an overview of the cognitive approach to anxiety disorders and a review of controlled trials in the area. Evidence available to date suggests that cognitive therapy is an effective treatment for panic disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. In each of these disorders, the gains that are achieved in treatment are maintained at follow-up and there is some indication that cognitive therapy may be more effective than pharmacotherapy in the longterm. Preliminary data suggest that cognitive therapy may also be effective in hypochondriasis.