Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders in adults - Review

Introduction: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) represents the form of psychotherapy which has the most research data to build on in the treatment of mental disorders for adults. Method: In this review we will introduce CBT and present the results of pertinent outcome research for mood and anxiety disorders. Efficacy at the end of the treatment will be discussed, as well as long term effectiveness and the efficacy of combined treatment with medication and CBT Results: The results of this review show that CBT is an effective treatment for mood and anxiety disorders; depression, dysthymnia, GAD, panic disorder, social phobia, OCD, PTSD and specific phobia. Results of follow-up studies also show that the efficacy of CBT lasts for a considerable time after the termination of treatment. CBT is more effective than other forms of psychotherapy except for behaviour activation and interpersonal therapy in treatment for depression and EMDR in treatment for PTSD. When CBT is compared with medication (SSRI) results reveal that CBT is as effective or more effective than medication. This is true except for the treatment of dysthymnia, especially when the long-term effects are considered. Results are contradictory regarding whether medication improves or reduces the efficacy of CBT, e.g., there are indications that the medication reduces the efficacy of CBT for some disorders, like panic disorder. Discussion: It is clear that CBT is an effective treatment for most common mental disorders. Side effects are almost never a problem and long-term success is a good. Further research is needed on combined treatment – CBT and medication. Conclusion: Numerous studies support the efficacy of CBT for common mood and anxiety disorders and its good long term effects.

Conference

English

Kristjansdottir, H., Blondahl, M., Sigurosson, E., Sigurosson, J. F., & Salkovskis, P. M. (2011, August-September). Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders in adults - Review. Presentation at the 41st EABCT annual conference, Reykjavk, Iceland