Depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders commonly occur in the perinatal period, with high rates of comorbidity, and potentially adverse outcomes for women and children. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment, however less than half of new mothers experiencing symptoms seek treatment. This review was focused on factors affecting treatment engagement and outcome in a clinical perinatal population. A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted according to Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of individual CBT where at least 70% of women met diagnostic criteria for depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders during the perinatal period. Information on, and factors associated with treatment engagement, satisfaction, therapeutic alliance were examined as risk ratios (RRs). Twenty-eight studies relating to 19 RCTs, with 2557 participants were reviewed. Most studies examined CBT adapted to the perinatal context. Engagement was good overall, and high levels of satisfaction and therapeutic alliance were reported. A relationship was demonstrated between engagement and outcome in three studies. Dropout did not differ for studies of CBT compared to treatment as usual (TAU), but there was greater dropout for CBT across four studies where the guiding therapist/coach had a minimal level of psychological therapy training and qualifications (<i>k</i> = 4; <i>n</i> = 675; RR 2.38; CI 1.17-4.83). Findings indicate the importance of engagement, which may be optimized by adapting CBT to be relevant to the unique challenges faced by women in the perinatal period, and through therapeutic provision from therapists with at least a moderate amount of psychological therapy training and qualifications.

Aim and Background: In this systematic review, virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) was introduced and its effect on anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were studied. VRET has some advantages, compared to in vivo and imaginal exposure therapies, including greater safety and controllability. Thus, it has been introduced as a novel therapeutic method for the recovery and reconstruction of traumatic emotional experiences. Methods and Materials: Two databases of ScienceDirect and PubMed were searched for this review. As a result, 39 interventional studies in which VRET was applied for treating anxiety disorders and PTSD were retrieved. Findings: Results showed VRET had a positive effect on anxiety disorders, including specific and social phobia, panic disorder and agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorder, in post-treatment assessments. Moreover, VRET had similar positive effects to that of current effective psychotherapies, including in vivo exposure therapy and cognitive behavior therapy. Results of the literature review indicated that VRET is effective in cognitive, behavioral, and physiological levels. Moreover, the positive effects of VRET often persist during long-term follow-ups. Conclusions: VRET can be a part of the treatment process of anxiety disorders and PTSD. Further studies in this respect are recommended.

conditions, and medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective for anxiety disorders and is a first-line treatment. CBT is the most widely Anxiety disorders are a group of mental disorders characterized by significant and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety and fear such that a person's social, occupational, and personal functions are significantly impaired. Anxiety may cause physical and cognitive symptoms, such as a sense of impending doom, restlessness, irritability, easy fatigue, difficulty concentrating, increased heart rate, che Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was once an anxiety disorder (now moved to trauma- and stressor-related disorders in the DSM-5) that results from a traumatic experience. PTSD affects approximately 3.5% of U.S. adults every year, and an estimated one in eleven people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetime. Post-traumatic stress can result from an extreme situation, such as combat, natural disaster, rape, hostage situations, child abuse, bullying, or even a serious accident. It can also result from long-term (chronic) exposure to a severe stressor— for example, soldiers who endure individual battles but cannot cope with continuous combat. Common symptoms include hypervigilance, flashbacks, avoidant behaviors, anxiety, anger, and depression. In addition, individuals may experience sleep disturbances. People who have PTSD often try to detach themselves from their friends and family and have difficulty maintaining these close relationships. There are a number of treatments that form the basis of the care plan for those with PTSD; such treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), prolonged exposure therapy, stress inoculation therapy, medication, psychotherapy, and support from family and friends. Post-traumatic stress disorder research began with US military veterans of the Vietnam War, as well as natural and non-natural disaster victims. Studies have found the degree of exposure to a disaster to be the best predictor of PTSD.

Agoraphobia Agoraphobia is a medical condition that causes anxiety. Sufferers are afraid of large open spaces, crowds, and new places. These places make them feel unsafe and increase their feelings of anxiety and panic. They may be afraid they might lose control and embarrass themselves. They worry that they may not be able to get away, or find help if they have a panic attack. The word agoraphobia means "fear of the market place". People with agoraphobia often believe that their home is the only safe place. Extreme sufferers may be unable to leave their homes for months or in some cases years.[1] Agoraphobia is sometimes treated successfully with medication and cognitive behavioral therapy, but some people never recover.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): What It Is & What It Treats Home / Health Library / Medical Treatments / Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Advertisement Advertisement Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Medically Reviewed. Last updated on 07/27/2026 . Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a goal-focused talk therapy. It teaches you practical ways to manage stress, unhelpful thoughts and emotions. It may help manage mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and PTSD. It can also support physical health issues and life transitions. Advertisement Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Care at Cleveland Clinic Mental Health Care Make an Appointment Contents What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Treatment Details Risks / Benefits Recovery and Outlook Additional Common Questions What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? Image content: This image is available to view online. View image online ( https://my.clevelandclinic.org/-/scassets/images/org/health/articles/cognitive-behavioral-therapy ) Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you change unhelpful thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy (talk therapy) that helps you notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It focuses on how your thoughts influence how you feel and behave. Advertisement Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy In CBT, you learn practical skills to handle stress and challenges. This may include practicing new ways of thinking or trying small exercises between sessions. CBT may help you manage mental health conditions or support you through difficult situations. This common type of therapy is based on a few core principles: Mental health concerns are often linked to