The Myth of the Superiority of Concurrent Combined Treatments for Anxiety Disorders
Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Date:
2010/06/08/
Pages:
107 - 111
Sources ID:
71481
Collection:
Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Depression
Visibility:
Public (group default)
Abstract:
(Show)
The treatment of anxiety disorders with combined cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacological treatments has been an ongoing topic of discussion. Combined treatments have failed to demonstrate additive benefits despite their continued use in practice. Otto, McHugh, and Kantak (2010) suggest that concurrent use of medication and CBT affects the acute release of cortisol during the extinction phase of exposure therapy and, in turn, interferes with memory consolidation. This commentary expands on some of the psychological aspects of combined treatments for anxiety disorders to consider along with this new biochemical perspective.