Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Reducing Anxiety Among Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Nursing Perspective

Abstract

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one of the most common mental health problems, with a significant impact on the psychological well-being and quality of life of patients. One of the most widely used therapeutic approaches in nursing interventions is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on cognitive restructuring and modification of maladaptive behavior. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of CBT in reducing anxiety in patients with GAD from a nursing perspective. This study uses a qualitative method with a library research approach, which reviews various scientific journals and academic literature related to the application of CBT in nursing practice. The results of the study showed that CBT was effective in lowering anxiety levels through the identification and change of negative thought patterns that contribute to chronic anxiety. In addition, CBT interventions also improve patients' coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and reduce the severity of physical symptoms associated with anxiety.  From a nursing perspective, the role of nurses is very important in providing education, emotional support, and guiding patients in implementing CBT strategies consistently. Although CBT has been shown to be effective, challenges are still found in terms of affordability of access, patient compliance levels, and the availability of trained nursing staff in this therapy. Therefore, further research is needed on optimizing the role of nurses in the implementation of CBT, as well as the development of technology-based strategies to improve the accessibility of therapy for patients with GAD.