Cognitive Factors in the Treatment of Anxiety States

Abstract

The apparent lack of any external focus for anxiety in generalized anxiety states or panic disorders has resulted in some lack of consensus about how such non-phobic anxiety disorders should be treated. In general such clients do not report a consistent pattern of avoidance as do phobic patients, although of course this does not mean that they never avoid anxiety-provoking situations. However, in the absence of a defined external trigger for avoidance behaviour, most therapists have abandoned straightforward exposure methods in favour of relaxation, anxiety management or cognitive therapy.