The Evolution of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety: From Traditional Methods to Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Approaches

Anxiety disorders are currently the most common mental health condition. The initial development of evidence-based therapy (EBT) led to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the gold standard treatment for anxiety disorders. However, newer EBTs that incorporate acceptance and mindfulness-based techniques have also shown efficacy for many individuals with anxiety. This review describes the evolution of CBT, as well as the transition to a newer wave of EBTs, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (MBCT). The importance of transdiagnostic and individualized treatments are discussed, in addition to alternative treatments of anxiety. Future research related to treatment for anxiety will continue to focus on the development and refinement of EBTs for anxiety disorders.