Does therapy actually work, and what is CBT?
Talking therapy works for depression, anxiety and many other conditions, and CBT is one of the best studied forms.
CBT stands for cognitive behavioral therapy. It focuses on how thoughts, feelings and actions feed each other in the present, rather than digging mainly into the past. You and the therapist spot unhelpful patterns, test them, and practice new ways to respond, often with tasks between sessions.
A course is usually 5 to 15 sessions, depending on the problem. CBT is used for depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, eating disorders, sleep problems and more. Results depend a lot on fit, so it is reasonable to change therapists if it still does not feel right after a few sessions.
See a doctor promptly if
- Thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself, or feeling unable to keep yourself safe. Call your local emergency number now
- Hearing voices, seeing things others cannot, or holding fixed beliefs that others say are not real
- Several days of very high energy, little need for sleep, racing thoughts and risky spending or behavior
- Not eating or drinking, or being unable to get out of bed or care for yourself for days
- Severe confusion or a sudden change in personality, especially in an older adult, which needs a medical check the same day
Answered by the AskDoc Medical Team · Medically reviewed under our Medical Director, MBBS · How we review
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