CBT for social anxiety may have a protective effect on cells

Science Daily reports that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for patients with social anxiety not only helps to reduce anxiety levels but also seems to protect against accelerated cellular ageing. These are the findings of a study involving researchers at Karolinska Institutet published in the journal Translational Psychiatry reports. “This is the first step towards better […]

Social Anxiety is the third largest mental health problem

The Social Anxiety Association report that Social Anxiety is the third largest mental health care problem in the world today. Social anxiety causes chronic anxiety and fear over social situations.  It prevents people from leading the life they want; it stops them from taking the job they are good at doing; it prevents them from […]

When drug treatment for social anxiety is insufficient

Drug Treatment for social anxiety is insufficient A Japanese study group maintain that when drug treatment for social anxiety is insufficient CBT continues to work.  They clarified that cognitive therapy maintained its effects more than a year after the end of therapy for patients with a social anxiety disorder even for those who did not […]

Offer digital CBT to young people with mild depression, NICE says

Children and young people can be offered digital cognitive behavioural therapy (digital CBT, also known as computer CBT) as a first-line treatment for mild depression. Digital CBT is delivered on mobile phones, tablets or computers, meaning users can access help quickly, avoiding waiting lists. Group CBT, group interpersonal psychotherapy and group mindfulness are also recommended […]

CBT particularly effective for the treatment of phobias

Research has shown that CBT is particularly effective to for the treatment of phobias. Certain fears are natural and reasonable, but others are excessive given the level of danger in any situation. However, these kind of fears cause unnecessary pain and distress. They can have serious consequences in everyday life,  undermining self-confidence, stopping enjoyment and […]

Does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) really change the way our brain works?

Research shows that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can really help us to rewire our brains. The BBC have published a very interesting article which shows that primitive survival instincts like fear are processed in a part of the brain called the limbic system. This includes the amygdala, a region involved in the processing of emotion, […]

Can what you eat affect your mental health?

Food and Mental Health Can what you eat really affect your mental health? The charity Mind has produced a very interesting and helpful article which explores this subject and provides practical advice into how you can adjust your diet to help your your mood. Called Food and Mood it provides helpful tips on how to […]

Problems aren’t caused by situations but the way we interpret them

A BBC guide explains how CBT is based on the idea that problems aren’t caused by situations themselves but by how we interpret them in our thoughts. These interpretations have an impact on our feelings and actions. How does this work in practice? For example, if someone you know walks by without saying hello, what’s […]

What I the difference between Mindfulness and CBT?

There is a lot of talk at the moment about Mindfulness and how it can be the answer to lots of mental health issues. What is Mindfulness and how to does it differ from other alternative therapies? According to the NHS, Mindfulness is: Paying more attention to the present moment – to your own thoughts […]

Exercise for mental health

We all know that exercise and keeping active is good for your body. What you might not know is that it’s good for your mind too. Exercise and physical activity has a positive impact on your mental health too. New Year, new you? If you’re planning to look after yourself better in 2019, the good […]