ABSTRACT
Anxiety disorders are the most commonly occurring psychological problems in the general population. And they are, along with depression, the most common clinical problems among cancer patients. This chapter reviews Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) formulations for conceptualizing anxiety disorders, using the anxiety equation. It describes maintaining factors for anxiety problems, including cognitive, emotional, and behavioral maintainers. Clinical interventions for anxiety-related cognitions involve targeting both cognitive content and cognitive processes, depending upon which type of cognition is most implicated in anxiety maintenance. Anxiety-related cognitive content can include the same cognitive biases authors reviewed in depression and that form the core of Beckian approaches to treatment generally and to cancer specifically. Perspective-taking skills can be employed using guided imagery and experiential exercises for anxiety, as in the treatment of depression. These exercises address the anxiety equation by helping the patient access the strengths and resources that have fueled their life journey during other challenging times.
