Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Anxiety Disorder
Understanding different treatment plans for various disorders is crucial to know which one may work for an individual and learn what one can expect from a prescribed treatment.
Websites such as The Human Condition educate people about various mental health disorders. Learning about such issues can help people understand how they can deal with their condition and help family members know how they can make their loved ones feel better.
What is mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy deploys the principles of cognitive therapy with techniques such as mindfulness meditation. It is used to aid people in consciously paying attention to their thoughts and feelings without ascribing any judgments about them. However, it would help if you had expert guidance and support to get the best out of a specific treatment.
What are some techniques used in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy?
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy uses a variety of techniques. Some techniques may be more suited for a particular treatment than others. Understanding different techniques can help you speak to your healthcare professional about which treatment you prefer.
Meditation
People may practice guided or self-directed meditation that helps them gain a greater awareness of their body, thoughts, and breathing.
Mindfulness stretching
Stretching mindfully involves bringing attention to every movement and change in posture. It not only helps you become more mindful of your body but helps with having a clear mind as well.
Yoga
Practising yoga postures can help individuals with mindful stretching. In addition, with yoga, people can become more aware of their breathing and their body postures. Hence, many practitioners encourage individuals to practice yoga, not only to help with their overall health but to help with their mindfulness practices as well.
Why use mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders are generally long-term conditions that individuals need to deal with. According to research, remission may take up to ten years, and even then, more than 50% of people diagnosed with anxiety disorders do not recover from them. Due to low remission rates, there is an increased prevalence of anxiety disorders, and it is one of the most widespread mental illnesses in the world.
Commonly, medication and Cognitive Based Therapy are the most commonly prescribed treatment plans for anxiety disorder. When CBT is available, it is the most preferred option for patients. Unfortunately, CBT therapists can be rare, especially worldwide.
Hence, the availability of alternative treatment options, such as other forms of psychotherapy, could be vital and beneficial for those dealing with anxiety disorders. Not only can it make treatment more accessible, but patients will not have to rely solely on medication to deal with their mental health issues.
Can mindfulness-based cognitive therapy be useful?
Various research suggests that Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy could be useful for people with diagnosed anxiety disorders. With the help of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, people can focus on cultivating mindfulness, that is, present awareness that is non-judgemental. With such practice, patients become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and body.
Currently, however, research is limited as mindfulness techniques are relatively new to the world of psychotherapy. With further and extensive research, it will be easier to know how effective mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can be. However, initial research seems to be quite promising.
Additionally, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is often offered in group settings, which can be more cost-effective for patients than individual sessions. Overall, unlike cognitive-based therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is much more readily available. Thus, it can help augment the benefits of a treatment plan which only uses medication.
Dealing with anxiety disorders is challenging. It is a lifelong disorder that can decrease their motivation to follow through with a treatment plan for many. However, with continued treatment, remission is possible. With the help of websites such as The Human Condition, you can learn more about dealing with an anxiety disorder or help your loved ones through it.
Disclaimer: This article is mainly for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, medical treatment, or therapy. Never disregard professional psychological or medical advice nor delay in seeking professional advice or treatment because of something you have read in this article.