Psychotherapeutic issues in long-term treatment of anxiety disorder patients.

Although there have been impressive advances in the treatment of anxiety disorders during the past few decades, these have focused almost exclusively on short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. During this period, accumulated data have suggested that short-term, symptom-focused treatment is not sufficient for many patients. It is likely that ancillary psychotherapy treatment will be needed to enhance the extent and durability of response, reduce vulnerability to life stress, and bolster feelings of self-efficacy and controllability. These treatments will draw on strategies and techniques from traditional psychotherapy, but will need to incorporate more focused goals and regular assessments.