Evidence of efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

In recent years many papers published by research groups devoted to study and evaluate the utility of specific psychological treatments for mental disorders or psychological problems specific. Those who follow and fulfill the rigorous conditions and strict methodological criteria, which have demonstrated efficacy and specificity (meaning that the objective has been achieved and that the proposed therapeutic treatment applied to any condition not worth it for that specific efforts are being made and evaluated) is called psychotherapy with empirical support.

When we speak of psychological therapy does not refer to a unique concept. As mentioned there are different models or schools of psychotherapy and each one has psychological problems and treat them differently. Not all types of psychological treatment have the same degree of scientific evidence about its usefulness, and not all are effective. And not all psychological problems or mental disorders have a treatment that has proven useful. It is clear that when we use the word "treatment" we mean a process of intervention (in this case with psychological techniques) aimed at modifying maladaptive or pathological condition and improve the condition of the person who has it. Another thing is support, advice, support, talking ... you can have their uses but are by no means a psychological treatment. In recent years, formulated and implemented new techniques and procedures, developed as alternatives to models already known, and is called "psychotherapy third generation" or "third wave of psychotherapy." Interestingly, the professionals know, but the patients who can receive must know that the time or do not meet criteria or requirements to be considered as empirical support, and may not be offered as a single treatment and specific, because it works well.

In short, the treatments that are applied cognitive behavioral therapy, unlike other therapies derived from other theoretical models, have extensive empirical support and has proven its effectiveness and efficiency for a wide range of disorders, but not all (for Anxiety Disorders and Specific Phobias, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Depressive Disorders, Bipolar Disorder some demonstrations and Psychotic Disorders, Food Disorders, Sexual Dysfunctions, some personality disorders).