Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List
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What is it used for? of Cognitive behavioural therapy
CBT aims to overcome anxiety largely through exposure and relaxation techniques. It is most effective when dealing with a specific problem.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
CBT for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) usually focuses on a type of behavioural therapy known as exposure and response therapy.
You are supportively encouraged to abstain from rituals and repetitive acts while in situations that arouse anxiety. For example, you may be progressively exposed to dirt but encouraged not to wash your hands. As you learn to modify your compulsive behaviour, your anxiety levels should lessen.
Phobias and Panic Disorder
Phobias and panic disorder are also treated using exposure therapy. In a supportive environment, you will be gradually and repeatedly exposed to the object or situation that you fear, first in imagination and then in reality.
In this way, you are able to cope with a gradual approximation of the object or situation until you finally come into contact with it. As you become accustomed to the situation you lose your fear of it. You learn to confront the situation rather than fleeing in fear. You will also be taught relaxation techniques to decrease your anxiety levels.
Post- traumatic stress
Post- traumatic stress (when stress results from a traumatic experience and lasts for a long time) can also be treated using CBT. You will learn coping skills that change your thought processes about the traumatic event. You will develop learning skills to cope with your anxiety and to manage negative thoughts, anger and stress. Exposure therapy, in a supportive environment will help you work through the trauma and gain control of the fear and distress.
You will also be taught relaxation techniques to decrease your anxiety levels.
Chronic fatigue
CBT also appears to be an effective treatment for adults with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) including myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) (2) and can aid physical functioning and energy levels.
Depression
When treating depression (mild to severe), CBT can help you change negative ideas, unrealistic expectations and overly critical self- assessment that leads to, and maintains depression. CBT will help you recognise which problems are significant and which are not. It will help you develop positive life goals and a more positive self-perception.
Other conditions
Other conditions that CBT can help with include, anger, habits (such as facial tics), drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, relationship problems and sleep problems.
