COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY AS A SYSTEM OF PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC FIRST CHOICE INTERVENTIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF ANXIETY DISORDERS

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to provide with a review of the cognitive-behavioral psychotherapyin the treatment of anxiety disorders. Methods. The methods include conducting a theoretical analysisof scientific research on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) of anxiety disorders, identifying the targetsof providing psychotherapeutic help to people experiencing anxiety, reviewing the cognitive formulationof anxiety and the practical methods of working with anxiety in the CBT model. Results. The main targets of psychological assistance to people suffering from the symptoms of anxiety, as well as the internationalpractice of psychotherapeutic interventions for certain anxiety disorders have been studied. When anxietyincreases, patients’ attention focuses on what they perceive as threats. Anxious patients notice larger threatsand they may perceive neutral situations as threatening, they tend to overlook safety, and to be overly focusedon their anxiety-related thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This interferes with their productivity and leadsto a decrease in activity, work capacity, and deterioration of mental health. The research shows that CBTreduces anxiety and is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders: social phobia, post-traumatic stressdisorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Conclusions.The fundamental idea in the cognitive-behavioral therapy is that the same events cause different reactionsdepending on the interpretation of these events by an individual. This basic idea which forms the cognitivemodel has an additional value as it helps to build the resilience, endurance and work capacity that every personneeds in the conditions of war. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has proven effectiveness and acts as a systemof psychotherapeutic interventions of first choice in the treatment of the anxiety disorders. The obtainedresearch data indicate that the acceptance and commitment therapy ACT, the psychodynamic psychotherapyare recognized as effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Prospects for further research are determined:conducting experimental research in the treatment of anxiety disorders in the conditions of war in Ukraine.