These schemata are made up of rules for explaining incoming information, and for retrieving what we have already learned. They are capable of exerting powerful effects on how we experience and relate to the world. For example, the schemata of a person with a social phobia cause them to become anxious and avoidant by explaining incoming information and memories in terms of social threat. Treatment consists of correcting faulty or illogical thinking by repeatedly confronting cognitive schemata with discrepant information from role-playing and homework assignments. It has been difficult to research the effectiveness of psychotherapy, since the term can refer to so many different activities.
Cognitive therapy lends itself well to research .
Depression and anxiety can be treated with medications, or psychotherapy, or both. Some research has shown that the combination of medications and therapy can be particularly effective. While some anxiety medications can result in dependence, this is rarely true of antidepressants. Managed care companies sometimes encourage family doctors to prescribe medications rather than refer to a mental health professional for psychotherapy. There are times when this may be appropriate, but there are other times when psychotherapy is clearly indicated.