Cognitive Therapy Fails to Alleviate Mental Health Struggles for Many Patients

In the past few years, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has become increasingly used by the NHS and private practitioners to treat a wide range of conditions, from depression and anxiety to alcohol misuse and menopausal symptoms. However, a growing number of patients are reporting negative experiences and worsening of their symptoms after undergoing CBT.

One such patient is Kendall Platt, a 39-year-old mother of two from Reading, Berkshire, who sought help for anxiety and panic attacks in 2017. Despite diligently completing a 12-session course of CBT, Platt emerged feeling "frustrated and perilously alone," as the therapy's focus on interrupting and reshaping thought patterns did not align with her quick-paced mind.

Platt's experience is not unique. A study published last year found that the majority of ADHD patients who underwent CBT had negative experiences, with the therapy leaving them feeling "more inadequate" and increasing their "feelings of hopelessness and disappointment in themselves."

Experts are now warning that CBT is not as harmless as previously thought. A 2018 survey of CBT therapists identified over 400 cases of unwanted side-effects, with more than 40% rated as severe, including suicidality, relationship breakdowns, and intensive emotional distress during sessions.

While CBT has been widely recommended for a variety of conditions, some experts argue that its benefits have been overstated, even for its core use in treating depression and anxiety. A 2018 study found that CBT failed to provide effective help to about half of the patients with adult anxiety disorders.

As the NHS continues to offer CBT on a massive scale, with over 2 million appointments in the past 12 months, the concerns raised by patients and experts suggest that a more cautious approach may be warranted, with potential screening to ensure the therapy is appropriate for each individual's needs.