In CBT for anxiety, relapse prevention includes which of the following components?

• A. Using only pharmacotherapy without therapy.
• B. Strategies to maintain gains after treatment, including coping plans, booster sessions, and identification of triggers.
• C. Stopping therapy after the first signs of improvement.
• D. Replacing therapy with lifestyle changes only.

Answer: (B)

Relapse prevention in CBT for anxiety is about sustaining the gains made during treatment by planning for the future. The best answer emphasizes strategies to maintain improvement after therapy ends, including a concrete coping plan to apply skills in real‑world triggers, booster sessions to refresh and reinforce skills, and a system to identify triggers and early warning signs so you can intervene early. This approach provides a proactive safety net that helps prevent relapse by keeping skills accessible and ensuring ongoing support as needed. In contrast, relying only on medications, stopping therapy at the first signs of improvement, or swapping therapy for lifestyle changes alone don’t offer a structured plan to maintain gains and manage future challenges.