Abstract
In this chapter, we discuss various treatment complications clinicians encounter in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with patients who have anxiety disorders and comorbid medical conditions. Specifically, we first provide an overview of the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges as well as introduce a treatment algorithm to assist clinical decision-making for medically complex patients with impairing anxiety. To illustrate the types of difficulties that generally emerge when providing CBT for anxiety related to medical illness, we then review relevant literature on the symptoms, epidemiology, correlates, and psychological treatment of anxiety comorbid with three disease states: cancer, coronary heart disease, and asthma. Finally, we offer specific recommendations for resolving these treatment complications, which clinicians may apply more broadly to patients coping with a variety of medical conditions.
