Addressing Anxiety in Primary Care With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are prevalent among children and adolescents, and they are often overlooked, undiagnosed, and undertreated. Screening for and addressing anxiety disorders in the primary care setting are ideal for both patients and providers because they can lead to improved care and patient outcomes. Cognitive behavior therapy, which helps patients identify and alter irrational thoughts, use coping skills, and manage somatic complaints, is an ideal intervention because it is easy to train providers in this therapy, and it is effective in decreasing anxiety symptoms.