APPLICATION OF COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY FOR REDUCING ANXIETY IN CARDIAC PATIENTS

The empirical tenets of the application of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating psychological disorders date as far back as early 20th century. The Darwinian approach to the continuity between humans and animals enables the use of animal models of behavior to study the development and progress of psychological disorders.1 Lange’s theory of the relatively independent triple-response system (behavioral, cognitive/emotional, physiological) lay the foundation for introduction of cognitive concepts into the behavioral approach.2 Studies conducted by the American Association have demonstrated the effectiveness of cognitivebehavioral treatments in reducing anxiety; most patients, especially t hose who strictly follow the treatment program, showed significant improvements within 8-10 sessions [3].