Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Expert Answer
INTRODUCTION:
With the rise in discovery of science and technology, success in psychology has also been sighted. With the success came many different therapeutic approaches that not only paved the way for management of diseases but have now provided an opening into the treatment as well (Ammar, 2014). One of these interventions is Cognitive behavioral Therapy. This paper provides an insight into the mentioned approach, its effectiveness in the clinical setting, its application in various mental problems through shared researches and advancements. This paper also sheds light on the learnt knowledge that will aid in future practices and provide a better understanding of this procedure.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective approach in dealing with the psychological and social influence that may result in an unhealthy thought process. Such negativity paves the way for ill-management of the body that hinders the normal life (M.McEvoy et al., 2013). CBT enlightens the patient to the reality behind their maladaptive thinking and ceases the further development of symptoms that inhibit their chances of attaining a healthy life.
This therapy consists of various techniques such as restructuring thought process, discovery of your true self, exposure to phobias, behavioral experiments, stress reduction methods etc. A different method is employed for different condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy has a huge impact in the field of clinical setting. This therapy not only provides treatment for various mental disorders but also assist medical practitioners, nursing staff etc in coping with difficult patients that appear scared or traumatized (Geller and Dunn, 2011)
The most important aspect of CBT is its effectiveness in dealing with depression. Hooke et al., (2012) in his article observed the effectiveness of CBT in healing patients with depression in clinical settings such as in-patient clinic (Hooke et al., 2012).
The highly beneficial application of CBT has been observed among children. Nauta et al., (2001) in her article illuminated through a study how children previously diagnosed with anxiety were found to be cured and on decline (Nauta et al., 2001). Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent among patients in hospitals and surgical wards. Constant need for reassurance is required by the patient and as a result this therapy has been found to assist immensely in dealing with such situations (Otte, 2011).
Another prevalent mental disorder is psychosis. CBT plays another important role in fighting the symptoms of such mental conditions that might be medication resistant through various techniques depending upon the severity such as talking, cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy etc. Burns (2014) explained in her article how CBT had a profound role in management of psychosis that was medication-resistant (Burns et al., 2014)
After strenuous research, important knowledge related to cognitive therapy surfaced i.e. is the role of Cognitive behavioral therapy in management of chronic conditions. Taylor (2005) in her book ‘Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Illness and Disability‘shares a detail impact CBT had on complicated symptoms of chronic illness such as gastrointestinal problem, insomnia, fatigue etc (Taylor, 2005)
Such therapeutic intervention has been seen to provide relief at the time when the chronic illness seems to become a threat for the mental well-being. Although the illness itself cannot be fully treated but some functioning can be managed through CBT (Crăciun, 2014 )
Chronic Pain management is another important feature. Cognitive therapy uses various techniques to counter the pain (Ehde et al., 2014). One of the techniques is reducing the stress level through conversing, thereby causing a powerful release of natural pain relief through pain chemicals. CBT can be used in combination with other treatment options such as medicine, weight loss management, physiotherapy etc but it alone is most effective in providing relief.
In chronic case such as cancer, CBT plays an important part in collectively minimizing the side effects of the pharmacotherapy and improving patient compliance. Duijts et al., (2012) in her study showcased the effect of CBT on menopause and endocrine system. It was observed that it had a salutary response in controlling endocrine system side effects (Duijts et al., 2012).
Diabetes mellitus neuropathy can also be managed through this therapeutic intervention (Otis et al., 2013). Otis et al., (2013) in a pilot study observed the efficacy of CBT as a treatment approach for painful diabetic pain. It also decreases the onset of depression and thus controls glycaemia in blood (Atlantis et al., 2014). Atlantis et al., (2014) explained in her study, how the decreasing level of depression had a collaborative effect. It controlled the amount of glycaemia and thus aided in management of diabetes.
Management through CBT requires a good understanding with the patient. A trustworthy and confidential relationship is the basis of the therapy (Brabban et al., 2017). Brabban et al., (2017) mentions how patient might not feel comfortable which will lead to the incomplete process. Patient needs compassion, non-judgmental attitude, privacy and a secure surrounding to open up completely for healing. Also patient might feel emotionally overwhelmed due to exposure technique.
Keeping aside its advantages and positive effects, CBR takes time and doesn’t have 100% success rate as compared to the pharmacotherapy. Its efficacy is about 50 to 70% in overcoming depression and it takes around weeks to months depending upon the severity of the case.
CONCLUSION:
This essay provided a detailed analysis of cognitive behavioral therapy as a therapeutic intervention. Its application in clinical practice and setting is an advantageous aspect that aids the patient and the medical professionals both in proper management. It provides treatment for mental disorders such as anxiety, depression and psychosis. In addition, it is a significant part of management therapy for chronic illnesses and their symptoms e.g. cancer therapy induced endocrine symptoms, chronic pain, diabetes neuropathy etc. For a successful implementation, certain attributes need to be considered such as trust, confidentiality, empathy that will aid in proper treatment.
REFERENCES:
Alison Brabban, R. B. (2017). The importance of human relationships, ethics and recovery-orientated values in the delivery of CBT for people with psychosis. Psychosis , 157-166.
Ammar, B. K. (2014). Cognitive behavioral therapy for treatment of primary care patients presenting with psychological disorders. Libyan Journal of Medicine .
Amy M. N. Burns, D. H. (2014). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Medication-Resistant Psychosis: A Meta-Analytic Review. Psychiatric Services , 874-880 .
Crăciun, A. (2014 ). Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy as Additional Treatment for Chronic Medical Conditions. Romanian Journal of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Hypnosis , 1-12.
Dawn M. Ehde, T. M. (2014). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Individuals With Chronic Pain. Efficacy, innovations, and directions for research. American Psychologist , 153–166.
Evan Atlantis, P. F. (2014). Collaborative care for comorbid depression and diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ .
Hooke, A. C. (2012). Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Modified for Inpatients with Depression. International Scholarly Research Notices .
John D.Otis, K. S. (2013). A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study of a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach for Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. The Journal of Pain , 475-482.
Josie Geller, E. C. (2011). Integrating Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Eating Disorders: Tailoring Interventions to Patient Readiness for Change. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice , 5-15.
Nauta, M. S. (2001). Cognitive-behavioural therapy for anxiety disordered children in a clinical setting: Does additional cognitive parent training enhance treatment effectiveness? Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy , 330-340.
Otte, C. (2011). Cognitive behavioral therapy in anxiety disorders: current state of the evidence. Dialogues Clinical Neuroscience , 413–421.
Peter M.McEvoy, H. W. (2013). The relationship between worry, rumination, and comorbidity: Evidence for repetitive negative thinking as a transdiagnostic construct. Journal of Affective Disorders , 313-320.
Saskia F.A. Duijts, M. v.-P. (2012). Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Physical Exercise in Alleviating Treatment-Induced Menopausal Symptoms in Patients With Breast Cancer: Results of a Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter Trial. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY , 4124-4133.
Taylor, R. R. (2005). Overview of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In R. R. Taylo, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Illness and Disability (pp. 4-15). Springer Science & Business Media.
