Scott Alexander explores the declining effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, proposing that its core ideas have become part of popular culture, potentially explaining its decreased impact. Longer summary

The post explores the declining effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) over time. Scott Alexander compares his experience with CBT to that described in a book by a prominent CBT therapist, noting a stark difference in patient responses. He then proposes a theory that CBT's core ideas have become part of popular culture, making the therapy less novel and potentially less effective. The post discusses how this 'CBT in the water supply' phenomenon might explain the therapy's decreasing impact, while also considering other factors like changes in study quality or patient populations. The author speculates on how this cultural absorption of CBT principles might affect its placebo effect and overall efficacy. Shorter summary