What is the primary focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) when treating anxiety disorders?

The primary focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) when treating anxiety disorders is to change negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. CBT operates on the premise that dysfunctional thinking leads to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. By identifying and challenging these negative beliefs, individuals can reframe their thoughts to be more constructive and realistic, which in turn alleviates anxiety symptoms.

In practice, CBT may include strategies such as cognitive restructuring, where patients learn to recognize and alter distorted thinking patterns. Techniques often involve exposing individuals to the source of their anxiety in a controlled environment, teaching them coping mechanisms, and helping them develop more positive and adaptive thinking skills. This structured approach allows for a more effective response to anxiety, targeting the cognitive distortions that fuel the disorder.

Other options, while they may be beneficial in different contexts, do not align as the primary focus of CBT. For example, reducing medication dependency is not a direct goal of CBT, though therapy may reduce the need for medication over time. Similarly, enhancing physical fitness and building social skills can be relevant in the broader treatment context, but they do not specifically represent the cognitive focus that is central to CBT's approach to managing anxiety disorders.