CBT aims to solve problems concerning dysfunctional emotions, behaviors and cognitions through a goal-oriented, systematic procedure dwelling in the present situation rather than looking back at the past. The title is used in diverse ways to designate behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and to refer to therapy based upon a combination of basic behavioral and cognitive research.
With CBT, the patient is encouraged to talk about his feelings and his thoughts. Topics such as how he views himself, the world and other people; how it affects his thoughs and feelings are discussed. By discussing these things, CBT helps change how the patient thinks and does which helps him or her in feeling better about life and his situation.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used in psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders and drug misuse. It has been proven to be helpful in these situations as CBT focuses on the problems and difficulties the patient has at the present rather than issues dealt with in the past.
It looks for practical ways in which to improve the state of mind on a daily basis.
Cognitive therapy helps reduce severity of distress among psychotic patients
Cognitive therapy reduces the severity of psychotic experiences in adults who are at risk of developing conditions such as schizophrenia, a randomised controlled trial published on bmj.com claims.
Authors from several UK universities (Birmingham, Glasgow, Cambridge, Manchester and UEA), led by the University of Manchester, set out to determine whether cognitive therapy, combined with monitoring, is effective in preventing the development and worsening of psychotic symptoms which can lead to schizophrenia, in young adults who were actively seeking help and were considered at high risk of developing schizophrenia and similar serious mental disorders. Risk factors included having intermittent or very mild symptoms suggesting psychosis, or schizophrenia-like personality problems, or having at least one close relative with psychosis. Monitoring was defined as aiming to provide warm, emphatic and supportive face-to-face contact.
