Anxiety and depression are two common emotional disorders that can get in the way of daily activities, relationships with others and enjoyment of life. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America states that 17 percent of people struggle with depression in their lifetimes and half of those with depression will develop anxiety too. Both of these conditions are treatable, and one popular way to attack them is with cognitive therapy.
Definition
The Help Guide mental health resource site defines anxiety as a fearful or worried feeling that goes beyond the normal stress caused by difficult situations. Anxiety disorders are pervasive, with chronic jittery feelings even when there is no valid cause. Depression is a "down" feeling that goes beyond normal sadness or grief. Sufferers tend to withdraw from other people and activities that need to be done or that they once enjoyed. It may be triggered by a tragic life event or may happen without any apparent cause.
Effects
Anxiety and depression need treatment because their symptoms often stop a person from functioning normally. For example, anxiety can cause panic, a racing heart, shaking, breathing problems, trouble focusing and digestive issues, Help Guide warns. Depression can lead to irritability, a sense of hopelessness, trouble sleeping, unhealthy eating patterns and social isolation.
Solution
Cognitive therapy is a form of counseling that focuses on reducing helplessness, taking power over problems and changing unhealthy thought patterns, the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC, explains. The counselor teaches her clients special techniques to fight negative thinking and replace it with more effective thoughts and attitudes. Therapy lasts 10 to 12 weeks, and clients continue to use the strategies once it is done.
Effectiveness
Several research studies have proven the effectiveness of cognitive therapy for anxiety and depression. For example, a study by the Royal College of Physicians in the United Kingdom found it was better than drug therapy for depressed people. An analysis of several studies in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology showed that cognitive counseling can treat anxiety effectively.
Warning
Cognitive therapy can help many anxiety and depression sufferers, but sometimes it is not enough. These problems can have a chemical or hormonal cause that requires medication. Drugs can also improve functioning while a person is undergoing cognitive therapy if counseling alone does not help him get through daily life sufficiently. UMMC states that a combination of drugs and counseling can be more effective than cognitive therapy alone.
Anxiety and depression worsen if they are not treated effectively. Depression can even lead to suicide in extreme cases. People with these issues should consult a psychiatrist if therapy is not helping.
