Introduction: Since Engel’s introduction of the biopsychosocial model in 1977, it has become clear that many factors may affect and modify a pasient’s illness and health. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and replacing negative thoughts and images with more positive ones, thereby seeking to alter behavior and influence health. Purpose: This is a litterature study and the purpose is to explore in which fields in general practice CBT may prove to be effective. CBT is generally accepted as an effective treatment of anxiety and mood disorders, but can it also prove to be effective in other areas? Method: PsykINFO(Ovid) was searched for the 2003-2013 period. Computerised CBT studies were excluded. Searches for CBT AND specific illnesses were added to broaden the results to contain somatic or chronic illness. Results: Studies of CBT as treatment for smoking cessation, CFS, chronic pain in older adults, insomnia, suboptimal level of glucose in diabetes mellitus type I and dementia indicate effect. CBT as group therapy gave no additional effect for patients tapering off long term use of benzodiazepines. Conclusion: There is a major amount of research demonstrating effect of CBT as treatment for anxiety and mood disorders. Little research is done in other areas and although results are promising, more research is needed to conclude effectiveness in other areas.