Cognitive behaviour therapy for whom?

Abstract

In many ways cognitive and behavioural therapies represent the acceptable face of psychotherapy for the general psychiatrist. They are brief, focused, problem-oriented treatments, which take symptoms seriously. They show an affinity for the medical model in their acceptance of diagnostic categories and their commitment to effective evaluation of treatments through randomised controlled trials. The wide applicability of these therapies is also attractive to the general psychiatrist. Cognitive and behavioural techniques are of major importance in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, and sexual dysfunctions, and beyond this core group the methods can be applied to enhance coping and change unwanted behaviours in conditions as diverse as cancer, chronic pain, substance abuse, anger control, schizophrenia, and challenging behaviours in people with learning disabilities.