Managing anxious patients: cognitive behaviour therapy in general practice.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It is well established that some individuals have an inherent disposition toward experiencing anxiety more readily than others. These individuals are prone to high levels of autonomic arousal, exaggerated threat perception and dysfunctional coping strategies. In general practice these patients present frequently with a broad range of physical and psychological concerns that are often time consuming and challenging for general practitioners to assess and manage. OBJECTIVE: In this article we suggest some management strategies based on a cognitive behavioural therapy approach. DISCUSSION: Cognitive behavioural therapy strategies such as cognitive reframing, behavioural experiments ..