cognitive behaviour therapy

cognitive behaviour therapy

A method of psychotherapy that concentrates on effects, and the individual's thoughts about them, rather than hypothetical causes—on actual behaviour and its immediate motivation rather than on theories of causation and the unconscious mind. It is the first form of psychotherapy to show substantial improvement in conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic states, eating disorders, hypochondriasis and chronic fatigue syndrome. It has also been found useful in managing attempted suicide, unexplained physical symptoms and even unemployment. Research suggests that it is a potentially useful additional treatment in cases of chronic SCHIZOPHRENIA.