Cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of generalized anxiety Section: Featured Articles How to quote Alonso López RN et ál. La terapia cognitivo-conductual en el tratamiento de la ansiedad generalizada. Metas de Enferm dic 2011/ene 2012; 14(10): 70-73 Authors1Rosa Noelia Alonso López, 2Francisca García Girona Position 1Diplomada en Enfermería. Diplomada en Fisioterapia. Área de Gestión Sanitaria Norte de Almería.2Licenciada en Psicología. Contact address Rosa Noelia Alonso López. C/ Obras Públicas, 9. 04600 Huércal-Overa. Almería Contact email: rrnoel@hotmail.com Abstract Generalized anxiety disorder is a common condition in the general population. It is a state of constant worry and anxiety about many events or activities. It usually appears at puberty or in adulthood, although it can occur since childhood. Objective: To review the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of generalized anxiety. Methodology: Review of clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews and clinical trials have been conducted in the following international databases: Medline, National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC), Tripdatabase, New Zealand Guideline, EBM Guidelines, National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia), National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), CMA Infobase (Canada) and Cochrane Library Plus.Results and conclusions: The studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most useful methods for the treatment of generalized anxiety due to its effectiveness in reducing symptoms. In primary care centers generalized anxiety is the most common mental problem, and it is therefore necessary to provide further knowledge and cognitive and behavioral skills to professionals working in these centers with the aim of reducing the prevalence of this mental disorder and thereby, the economic and social burdens that it generates. Keywords: anxiety; anxiety disorder; cognitive behavioral therapy; generalized anxiety disorder; psychotherapy Versión en Español Título: La terapia cognitivo-conductual en el tratamiento de la ansiedad generalizada