What results are obtained with cognitive-behavioural approach techniques?
Many meta-analyses have evaluated cognitive-behavioural therapies (CBT) (21 meta-analyses were identified for the disorders being studied) alongside the randomised control trials. Only the results of the meta-analyses are analysed and, where results are not available we have analysed those of the randomised controlled trials. CBT has been used very widely in different anxiety disorders, and there are many results available from efficacy assessments of these therapies. For panic disorder and agoraphobia, 3 meta-analyses have demonstrated a significant decline in symptoms in response to CBT compared to control conditions. The most effective therapeutic combination appears to be a combination of in vivo exposure and antidepressants. The effect of CBT has been compared to that of drug therapy in patients with generalised anxiety (1 meta-analysis). The effect sizes were relatively similar (0.70 for CBT and 0.60 for drug therapy), although the effect was maintained after treatment with CBT w
