Cognitive behavioural therapy: why primary care should have it all

摘要

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a short-term treatment that aims to change unhelpful patterns of thinking or behaviour that can contribute to maintaining or worsening various mental or physical health problems. Its potential applications are widespread. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends CBT as an option for treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bulimia nervosa. CBT can also be used in sleeping disorders, to cope with a range of physical health problems such as pain and fatigue, as well as for phobias, substance misuse disorders (including smoking cessation), and functional disorders/ medically unexplained symptoms.