Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
Gabriele Caselli, Chiara Manfredi, Giovanni Ruggiero, Sandra Sassaroli
The efficacy of cognitive behavioural treatments (CBT) for anxiety disorders has been supported by
multiple randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses. This review examines meta-analyses that have
been published over the last 15 years in order to summarise the current state of evidence regarding CBT
treatment for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive
disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. In particular this review explores: (1) general CBT efficacy,
(2) number of sessions, (3) comparison with pharmacological treatments, (4) comparison between
cognitive and behavioural techniques, (5) comparison with third wave cognitive behavioural therapies.
Overall, CBT demonstrates both efficacy in randomised controlled trials and effectiveness in naturalistic
settings in the treatment of anxiety disorders. However, some methodological limitations showed a
decrease in this efficacy and highlighted the need for further development of CBT treatments that are
specific for each disorder.
Keywords
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Anxiety Disorders, Evidence-based treatments,
Meta-analysis.