Understanding the Power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) are a strong way to test how well Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, works for different groups of people. Here are some important points from many studies on CBT:

1. How Well Does It Work?
   Many studies show that CBT has a big positive effect on helping decrease feelings of anxiety and depression. The overall impact is measured with a number called effect size, which is about 0.88. This number tells us that CBT works really well!

2. Works for Everyone
   Research shows that CBT is helpful for many different age groups, including:

   • Kids and Teens: About 60% of young people see improvements in their anxiety disorders after CBT.
   • Adults: Around half, or 50%, of adults with major depression find relief with CBT.
   • Older Adults: For older people, CBT reduces symptoms of depression by about 40%.

3. Understanding Different Cultures
   Some studies also suggest that when CBT is adjusted to fit different cultures, it still works well for minority groups. So, the benefits of CBT remain similar to the standard approach.

4. Benefits Lasting Over Time
   Follow-up studies reveal that about 70% of those who completed CBT still feel better one year later.

These findings highlight just how effective RCTs are in showing that CBT can help people from different backgrounds and ages.