Does CBT work?

[Flatwhite2013]

I've been having CBT for 9 weeks now (anxiety) and havnt been finding it hugely helpful. My DD is 4 months old and after sleeping really well has now reverted to waking every 1-2 hours. I'm feeling really overwhelmed and tired, I'm tempted to go to GP and ask for antidepressants but just wanted to see how other people found CBT and whether it takes a while to work, also whether or not CBT with medication is more effective.
Thanks.

Hmmm... hard to say. I had both but not sure ADs did anything for me. A lot of the evidence says they're not that effective except for quite severe depression compared to placebos.

What is it about the CBT you are not finding helpful? Maybe the therapist is a poor match?

The other pretty obvious thing here is you need more real life support, more sleep and time for you. CBT and ADs can't provide this and sleep deprivation will fuel and maintain your anxiety more than they can relieve it.

Hi Flatwhite. I had cbt a couple of years ago for PTSD unrelated to pregnancy. The first person I saw was not very helpful and I didn't get much out of it (I had about three months of treatment). The second person I saw was excellent, and helped me get over bad nightmares, intrusive thoughts and flashbacks. I think it all depends on the therapist so if you can change, that may be something worth thinking about. I would also add that I was also on medication on both occasions, which I think complimented the cbt - certainly not sure how I'd have coped re the first unsuccessful cbt without the ADs. My own view is that if you have the right therapist then cbt is a really good, more long term help. However, it is always going to take a while to work, even with the right person. I am now pregnant and back on medication. Seeing a psychiatrist next week so not sure whether they will offer cbt. We will see.

Thanks for the advice. In going to see if I can perhaps change therapist. My DH is going to have her this eve and give her EBM so hopefully ill get a bit more sleep....just seems a bit like a vicious cycle sometimes. Ill hold out on the AD for the time being and see what sleep does. I'm tempted to move her into her own room now she will be 5 months in 2 weeks did anyone find that helpful?
Thanks again.

Hmm. I'm not sure. I think it can for very mild mood swings/ anxiety but not when you're in that very dark place.

I hope you find peace soon