Publication Details
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are among the most widespread mental health conditions worldwide, affecting millions and profoundly influencing individuals’ daily lives, relationships, and overall functioning. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has emerged as a highly effective, evidence-based treatment that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours that fuel anxiety. This review examines the effectiveness of CBT across various anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and specific phobias, while also exploring new approaches to increase its accessibility and impact. Research consistently shows that CBT not only reduces both cognitive and behavioural symptoms but also fosters long-lasting improvements, often outperforming other therapeutic methods in maintaining progress over time. Nevertheless, challenges such as patient dropout, the need for culturally sensitive adaptations, and limited access for some populations continue to restrict its reach. Innovations such as online platforms, digital CBT programs, and blended therapy models have demonstrated potential to overcome these barriers, improving engagement and making therapy more widely available. Furthermore, combining CBT with complementary approaches like mindfulness techniques or pharmacological support has shown promise in enhancing outcomes for more complex cases. Overall, CBT remains a versatile and effective approach to managing anxiety, and future developments focusing on personalisation, technology integration, and cultural adaptation are likely to further strengthen its effectiveness and global accessibility.