scholarly journals Online Attention Bias Modification in Combination With Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Children and Adolescents With Anxiety Disorders: A Randomised Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 200-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmijn M. de Lijster ◽  
Gwendolyn C. Dieleman ◽  
Elisabeth M.W.J. Utens ◽  
Jan van der Ende ◽  
Tamsin M. Alexander ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Attention Bias ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Attention Bias Modification ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
Bias Modification

AbstractAttention Bias Modification (ABM) targets attention bias (AB) towards threat, which is common in youth with anxiety disorders. Previous clinical trials showed inconsistent results regarding the efficacy of ABM, and few studies have examined the effect of online ABM and its augmented effect with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). The aim of the current study was to examine the efficacy of online ABM combined with CBT for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Children (aged 8–16 years) completed nine online sessions of ABM (n= 28) or online sessions of the Attention Control Condition (ACC;n= 27) over a period of 3 weeks (modified dot-probe task with anxiety disorder-congruent stimuli), followed by CBT. Primary outcomes were clinician-reported anxiety disorder status. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported anxiety and depression symptoms and AB. Results showed a continuous decrease across time in primary and secondary outcomes (ps < .001). However, no differences across time between the ABM and ACC group were found (ps > .50). Baseline AB and age did not moderate treatment effects. Online ABM combined with CBT does not show different efficacy compared with online ACC with CBT for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders.

scholarly journals Cognitive behavioural psychotherapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents with particular focus on generalised anxiety disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 274-282
Author(s):  
Anna Meslin-Kuźniak ◽  
◽  
Katarzyna Nowicka-Sauer ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Generalised Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural

The paper presents the issue of anxiety disorders among children and adolescents with particular focus on generalised anxiety disorder and the use of cognitive behavioural psychotherapy in the affected patients. Data on epidemiology, aetiology and diagnosis of anxiety disorders, as well as the specificity and limitations of cognitive behavioural therapy among younger patients are presented. Statistical data show that the group of affected children and adolescents is growing. The diagnosis of generalised anxiety in children and adolescents may take time. It requires careful collection of history and observation of behaviours in different functioning domains. It may happen that symptoms indicative of generalised anxiety disorders are underestimated or missed by adults from the child’s immediate environment. Early and accurate diagnosis is important also because the disorder may give rise to depressive disorders or contribute to suicide attempts. Research shows that cognitive behavioural psychotherapy, often aided by pharmacotherapy, is one of the most effective and popular forms of therapy in children and adolescents with generalised anxiety disorders. The paper describes the theoretical models of the disorder, as well as its implications for psychotherapy and current research trends. Cognitive behavioural therapeutic programs intended for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders are also presented. The literature review shows that studies and protocols devoted exclusively to the treatment of generalised anxiety in children and adolescents are still missing. Therefore, treatment protocols for adults, which are appropriately adjusted to age and cognitive development of the child, are often used, especially for older children.

scholarly journals Combining CBT and sertraline does not enhance outcomes for anxious youth: a double-blind randomised controlled trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Hudson ◽  
Lauren F. McLellan ◽  
Valsamma Eapen ◽  
Ronald M. Rapee ◽  
Viviana Wuthrich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Randomised Control Trial ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Anxious Youth ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental disorder in children and young people. Developing effective therapy for these children is critical to reduce mental disorders across the lifespan. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combining cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and sertraline (SERT) in the treatment of anxiety in youth, using a double-blind randomised control trial design. Methods Ninety-nine youth (ages 7–15 years) with an anxiety disorder were randomly allocated to either individual (CBT) and SERT or individual CBT and pill placebo and assessed again immediately and 6 months after treatment. Results There were no significant differences between conditions in remission of primary anxiety disorder or all anxiety disorders. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in rates of change in diagnostic severity, parent-reported anxiety symptoms, child-reported anxiety symptoms or life interference due to anxiety. Conclusions The efficacy of CBT for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders is not significantly enhanced by combination with a short-term course of anti-depressants over and above the combined effects of pill placebo.

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