Contents of It's not All in Your Head by Asmundson and Taylor

at follow-up (e.g., Bouman, 2002, at 4-week and 6-month follow-up; Martínez & Botella,
2005, at 2- and 6-month follow-up; Wattar et al., 2008, at 6- and 12-month follow-up).
Based on the review above and prior research, there is empirical evidence for the
efficacy of CBT treatments for health anxiety and there is evidence that CBT treatments
are more efficacious than alternative treatments. CBT is now an established treatment for
health anxiety in the psychological community (Furer et al., 2001). More, better designed
(i.e., designs that include larger sample sizes and control groups), and empirical studies
and replications will add further support for the use of CBT as a clinically sanctioned
treatment for health anxiety.
Treatment for health anxiety may be more effective if it is provided in a time and
cost-effective manner, and if it is widely available (van Boeijen et al., 2005). Health care
centers have limited capacities, funds, therapists, and treatment hours; therefore, many
people suffering from anxiety disorders are unable to receive treatment (van Boeijen et
al., 2005). Although CBT has been effective in the treatment of health anxiety and other
disorders, therapists must undergo intensive training to learn CBT, and the actual
treatment is time-consuming (e.g., 10 - 20 sessions of 50 minutes each; van Boeijen et al.,
2005) . Unfortunately, spontaneous remission is rare for anxiety disorders (van Boeijen et
al., 2005) so people with health anxiety are in great need of treatment despite the time
and financial constraints of health care providers.
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