Folie à Cinq: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach to Treating Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in the United States (Kessler, Chiu, Demler, & Walters, 2005). One effective treatment for anxiety disorders is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been found to be successful in reducing anxiety symptoms (Butler, Chapman, Forman, & Beck, 2006). Folie à Cinq (FAC) is a new cognitive-behavioral approach to treating anxiety that is based on the principles of CBT.
FAC is a five-step approach to treating anxiety. The goal of FAC is to help individuals gain control over their anxiety and develop skills to manage it effectively. The five steps of FAC are: (1) Identify and understand the sources of anxiety; (2) Learn to recognize and accept the fear; (3) Learn problem-solving skills; (4) Develop coping strategies; and (5) Practice and maintain the skills learned.
The first step in FAC is to identify and understand the sources of anxiety. Through this process, individuals learn to recognize the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety and the situations that trigger them. This helps individuals to be more aware of their anxiety and to identify possible solutions for it.
The second step in FAC is to learn to recognize and accept the fear. This involves learning to accept and tolerate the fear, rather than trying to avoid it. This helps individuals to become less overwhelmed by anxiety and to focus on the present moment.
The third step in FAC is to learn problem-solving skills. This involves developing the skills to identify problems, consider solutions, and implement a plan of action. This helps individuals to become more proactive in dealing with their anxiety and to develop a sense of control over it.
The fourth step in FAC is to develop coping strategies. This involves learning how to manage anxiety in the moment, such as using relaxation techniques and positive self-talk. This helps individuals to develop skills to cope with anxiety in the moment, rather than avoiding it.
The fifth step in FAC is to practice and maintain the skills learned. This involves continuing to practice the skills learned in the previous steps and to maintain a positive outlook. This helps individuals to continue to use the skills they have learned and to remain motivated to continue working on their anxiety.
Overall, Folie à Cinq is an effective cognitive-behavioral approach to treating anxiety. The five-step approach helps individuals to gain control over their anxiety and to develop skills to manage it effectively.
References
Butler, G., Chapman, J. E., Forman, E. M., & Beck, A. T. (2006). The empirical status of cognitive-behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Clinical Psychology Review, 26(1), 17–31.
Kessler, R. C., Chiu, W. T., Demler, O., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 617-627.