How does cognitive behavioral therapy treat generalized anxiety disorder?

One type of talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is especially effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This type of therapy is a combination of cognitive therapy, which helps patients develop healthier thought patterns, and behavior therapy, which helps patients respond in new ways to anxiety-producing situations. During CBT, a mental health professional helps identify the distorted thinking patterns that trigger anxiety, and then adapt his/her reaction to the anxiety-producing situation. CBT is a short-term treatment lasting approximately 12 weeks.