Cognitive-behaviour therapy or CBT has been shown in numerous studies to be the treatment of choice for anxiety disorders. It is particularly effective in helping people overcome panic attacks, with about 80% to 85% of people becoming panic free, usually within eight treatment sessions. But what is What is CBT or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
CBT has two components. Firstly, identifying, and changing the distorted thinking patterns that maintain anxiety (this is cognitive therapy).
Then secondly, desensitizing anxiety through exposure to feared situations (this is behaviour therapy).
The relative emphasis put on each of these depends on the nature of your problem.
For example, specific phobias, such as a fear of heights, are treated very effectively by exposure therapy alone.
However, panic disorder without agoraphobia is very successfully treated by cognitive therapy.
If you have a significant amount of agoraphobic avoidance along with your panic attacks, then you will need to work on both.
Changing your thinking and exposing yourself to the situations you fear.
CBT is a type of therapy that is often talked about and for good reason.
CBT is becoming the most popular form of therapy because it is fast and effective and recommended in the NICE (National Institute for Clinical Effectiveness) as being the most effective treatment for a wide range of psychological problems.
The NICE guidelines are quality standards derived from government approved sources such as the NHS and the Department of Health.
So now you know what CBT or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is get some professional help.