COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY FOR ANXIETY IN PATIENTS WITH PTSD

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594722402082

• Palavras-chave: CBT. PTSD. Anxiety.

• Keywords: CBT. PTSD. Anxiety.

• Abstract:

  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used approach for the treatment of psychological disorders, including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), characterized by persistent anxiety symptoms after exposure to traumatic events. The systematic review examined the effectiveness of CBT in reducing anxiety in patients with PTSD compared to other interventions or no treatment. This systematic review used an integrative literature approach, following steps that include formulation of the research question using the PICO method, sample selection in the Virtual Health Library, and collection and analysis of data from recently published articles in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Non-pertinent studies such as monographs and theses were excluded. The research aimed to compare the effectiveness of CBT with other therapeutic approaches in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving the quality of life in patients with PTSD. Analysis of the selected studies indicated that CBT is effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in patients with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Different adaptations of CBT, including cognitive reprocessing and mindfulness techniques, were associated with significant improvements in the management of anxiety symptoms and the quality of life of patients. The results suggest that CBT is a promising therapeutic option for patients with PTSD, offering substantial benefits in reducing anxiety and in post-traumatic psychological adaptation. This systematic review reinforces the importance of CBT as an effective intervention in the management of anxiety in patients with PTSD. Future research should deepen the understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms of CBT and evaluate its efficacy in diverse populations, aiming to improve clinical practices and the treatment of these complex disorders.