DECISIVE SECONDS: BRIEF CBT PROTOCOLS FOR ANXIETY CRISIS MANAGEMENT IN EMERGENCY CONTEXTS

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of brief Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) protocols in managing anxiety crises in emergency contexts, highlighting the role of cognitive restructuring and new technologies in assisting individuals in crisis. Methods: This is a narrative literature review based on clinical guidelines and empirical studies. Data collection was performed through the selection of articles published in Portuguese and English in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Virtual Health Library - Psychology (BVS-Psi Brazil), and APA PsycInfo databases published between 2000-2026. Results: The results demonstrate that although Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) contributes to long-term emotional regulation, CBT offers superior cognitive anchoring during the peak of the crisis. Verbal de-escalation techniques and the use of digital tools proved fundamental for immediate stabilization. Somatic reattribution allows patients to differentiate physiological symptoms from real threats, reducing catastrophic thoughts. The decentralization of care to digital and institutional environments expands the reach of the intervention without losing clinical efficacy. Final Considerations: The study evidences that brief CBT intervention is effective in interrupting the panic cycle and that its application in digital platforms is a relevant modality.