The Association Between Maternal Anxiety and Treatment Outcome for Childhood Anxiety Disorders

2009 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalie S. Gar ◽  
Jennifer L. Hudson

AbstractThis study examined the influence of maternal anxiety on the treatment outcome of anxious children. Forty-eight clinically anxious children (aged 6–14 years) were classified into two groups based on the presence of an anxiety disorder diagnosis in their mother. Diagnostic data at posttreatment showed that children with anxious mothers responded significantly less favourably to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) than did children with nonanxious mothers (28% vs. 58% improved, respectively). At 12-month follow-up, 68% of children with anxious mothers improved, compared to 79% of children with nonanxious mothers. This difference was not significant. Findings were not consistent across outcome measures. This study also investigated the changes in maternal anxiety across child treatment. Prior to treatment, diagnostic data showed that 60% of mothers met criteria for an anxiety disorder. At posttreatment, 21% of these mothers were free of their primary diagnosis. There was also a significant reduction in self-reported maternal anxiety across treatment that was maintained at follow-up. Theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (38) ◽  
pp. 1-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathy Creswell ◽  
Susan Cruddace ◽  
Stephen Gerry ◽  
Rachel Gitau ◽  
Emma McIntosh ◽  
...  

BackgroundCognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for childhood anxiety disorders is associated with modest outcomes in the context of parental anxiety disorder.ObjectivesThis study evaluated whether or not the outcome of CBT for children with anxiety disorders in the context of maternal anxiety disorders is improved by the addition of (i) treatment of maternal anxiety disorders, or (ii) treatment focused on maternal responses. The incremental cost-effectiveness of the additional treatments was also evaluated.DesignParticipants were randomised to receive (i) child cognitive–behavioural therapy (CCBT); (ii) CCBT with CBT to target maternal anxiety disorders [CCBT + maternal cognitive–behavioural therapy (MCBT)]; or (iii) CCBT with an intervention to target mother–child interactions (MCIs) (CCBT + MCI).SettingA NHS university clinic in Berkshire, UK.ParticipantsTwo hundred and eleven children with a primary anxiety disorder, whose mothers also had an anxiety disorder.InterventionsAll families received eight sessions of individual CCBT. Mothers in the CCBT + MCBT arm also received eight sessions of CBT targeting their own anxiety disorders. Mothers in the MCI arm received 10 sessions targeting maternal parenting cognitions and behaviours. Non-specific interventions were delivered to balance groups for therapist contact.Main outcome measuresPrimary clinical outcomes were the child’s primary anxiety disorder status and degree of improvement at the end of treatment. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 6 and 12 months. Outcomes in the economic analyses were identified and measured using estimated quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). QALYS were combined with treatment, health and social care costs and presented within an incremental cost–utility analysis framework with associated uncertainty.ResultsMCBT was associated with significant short-term improvement in maternal anxiety; however, after children had received CCBT, group differences were no longer apparent. CCBT + MCI was associated with a reduction in maternal overinvolvement and more confident expectations of the child. However, neither CCBT + MCBT nor CCBT + MCI conferred a significant post-treatment benefit over CCBT in terms of child anxiety disorder diagnoses [adjusted risk ratio (RR) 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87 to 1.62,p = 0.29; adjusted RR CCBT + MCI vs. control: adjusted RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.67,p = 0.20, respectively] or global improvement ratings (adjusted RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.59,p = 0.05; adjusted RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.53,p = 0.13). CCBT + MCI outperformed CCBT on some secondary outcome measures. Furthermore, primary economic analyses suggested that, at commonly accepted thresholds of cost-effectiveness, the probability that CCBT + MCI will be cost-effective in comparison with CCBT (plus non-specific interventions) is about 75%.ConclusionsGood outcomes were achieved for children and their mothers across treatment conditions. There was no evidence of a benefit to child outcome of supplementing CCBT with either intervention focusing on maternal anxiety disorder or maternal cognitions and behaviours. However, supplementing CCBT with treatment that targeted maternal cognitions and behaviours represented a cost-effective use of resources, although the high percentage of missing data on some economic variables is a shortcoming. Future work should consider whether or not effects of the adjunct interventions are enhanced in particular contexts. The economic findings highlight the utility of considering the use of a broad range of services when evaluating interventions with this client group.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN19762288.FundingThis trial was funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust and managed by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) on behalf of the MRC–NIHR partnership (09/800/17) and will be published in full inHealth Technology Assessment; Vol. 19, No. 38.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 745-750
Author(s):  
Justin W. Weeks ◽  
M. Taylor Wilmer ◽  
Carrie M. Potter ◽  
Elizabeth M. Waldron ◽  
Mark Versella ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground:Our aim was to develop a brief cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) protocol to augment treatment for social anxiety disorder (SAD). This protocol focused specifically upon fear of positive evaluation (FPE). To our knowledge, this is the first protocol that has been designed to systematically target FPE.Aims:To test the feasibility of a brief (two-session) CBT protocol for FPE and report proof-of-principle data in the form of effect sizes.Method:Seven patients with a principal diagnosis of SAD were recruited to participate. Following a pre-treatment assessment, patients were randomized to either (a) an immediate CBT condition (n = 3), or (b) a comparable wait-list (WL) period (2 weeks; n = 4). Two WL patients also completed the CBT protocol following the WL period (delayed CBT condition). Patients completed follow-up assessments 1 week after completing the protocol.Results:A total of five patients completed the brief, FPE-specific CBT protocol (two of the seven patients were wait-listed only and did not complete delayed CBT). All five patients completed the protocol and provided 1-week follow-up data. CBT patients demonstrated large reductions in FPE-related concerns as well as overall social anxiety symptoms, whereas WL patients demonstrated an increase in FPE-related concerns.Conclusions:Our brief FPE-specific CBT protocol is feasible to use and was associated with large FPE-specific and social anxiety symptom reductions. To our knowledge, this is the first treatment report that has focused on systematic treatment of FPE in patients with SAD. Our protocol warrants further controlled evaluation.


BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. e018345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martina Nordh ◽  
Sarah Vigerland ◽  
Lars-Göran Öst ◽  
Brjánn Ljótsson ◽  
David Mataix-Cols ◽  
...  

ObjectivesSocial anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in youth, with a prevalence of about 3%–4% and increased risk of adverse long-term outcomes, such as depression. Cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) is considered the first-line treatment for youth with SAD, but many adolescents remain untreated due to limited accessibility to CBT. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a therapist-guided internet-delivered CBT treatment, supplemented with clinic-based group exposure sessions (BIP SOFT).DesignA proof-of-concept, open clinical trial with 6-month follow-up.ParticipantsThe trial was conducted at a child and adolescent psychiatric research clinic, and participants (n=30) were 13–17 years old (83% girls) with a principal diagnosis of SAD.Intervention12 weeks of intervention, consisting of nine remote therapist-guided internet-delivered CBT sessions and three group exposure sessions at the clinic for the adolescents and five internet-delivered sessions for the parents.ResultsAdolescents were generally satisfied with the treatment, and the completion rate of internet modules, as well as attendance at group sessions, was high. Post-treatment assessment showed a significant decrease in clinician-rated, adolescent-rated and parent-rated social anxiety (d=1.17, 0.85 and 0.79, respectively), as well as in general self-rated and parent-rated anxiety and depression (d=0.76 and 0.51), compared with pretreatment levels. Furthermore, 47% of participants no longer met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for SAD at post-treatment. At a 6-month follow-up, symptom reductions were maintained, or further improved, and 57% of participants no longer met criteria for SAD.ConclusionTherapist-guided and parent-guided internet-delivered CBT, supplemented with a limited number of group exposure sessions, is a feasible and promising intervention for adolescents with SAD.Trial registration numberNCT02576171; Results.


2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 335-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron K. Vallance ◽  
Victoria Fernandez

SummaryThe presentation of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents shares similarities and differences with that in adults, and may vary significantly, depending on the age of the individual. Assessment must differentiate anxiety disorders from developmentally appropriate fears as well as medical conditions and drugs that can mimic anxiety states. Aetiology of anxiety disorders in this group encompasses complex genetic and environmental influences. Additional insight into causation is provided by neuroimaging and research into temperament. Recommended interventions include both cognitive-behavioural therapy and pharmacology. Although childhood anxiety disorders generally remit, there remains an increased risk for anxiety and depressive disorders to emerge in adulthood, most likely through heterotypical continuity.


2005 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Barrington ◽  
Margot Prior ◽  
Margaret Richardson ◽  
Kathleen Allen

AbstractThe efficacy of cognitive—behavioural therapy (CBT) for the treatment of childhood anxiety has mainly been demonstrated in university-clinic settings. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CBT for the treatment of childhood anxiety in a community mental health service, compared with standard treatments (‘Treatment as Usual’ [TAU]) 'child psychotherapy, family therapy and eclectic treatments. Fifty-four children with anxiety disorders, aged from 7 to 14 years, were randomly assigned to either a CBT or TAU group. CBT and the standard treatments were provided by 18 experienced therapists, and the mean number of treatment sessions was 12. Baseline and follow-up measures at 3, 6 and 12 months included an interview based on criteria in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) that was conducted by a clinical psychologist who was blind to the treatment conditions, and standardised anxiety measures (parent, child and teacher reports). Significant improvements were found on all anxiety measures over time, but no significant differences were found between CBT and TAU. The challenge of conducting such research in community settings is discussed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Biney ◽  
Matt Hutt ◽  
Rachel Matthews ◽  
Hubert Lacey

Low self-esteem has been identified as a strong predictor of onset, maintenance and relapse in eating disorders. This suggests that treatment directly addressing low self-esteem might improve recovery. The Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) based group for low self-esteem is a six session manualised programme based on Melanie Fennel’s model for low self-esteem. It was developed at Newbridge House, a child and adolescent eating disorder inpatient unit in the UK. Although the use of CBT for low self-esteem is established in adult services, the Newbridge programme, adapting the same principles for children and adolescents, is to our knowledge, the first of its kind. This paper reports a service evaluation (N=63) which examines the efficacy of this group in improving low self-esteem for 12-17 year olds with a primary diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa (AN). Paired-samples t-tests compared the differences in pre- to post-group and post-group to follow-up. Results indicate significant improvements in self-esteem as shown by improvements on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, which are maintained at follow-up. This highlights that group manualised CBT for low self-esteem is effective for young people with AN and indicates the need for future controlled studies.


2018 ◽  
Vol 212 (6) ◽  
pp. 333-338 ◽  
Author(s):  
Borwin Bandelow ◽  
Anne Sagebiel ◽  
Michael Belz ◽  
Yvonne Görlich ◽  
Sophie Michaelis ◽  
...  

BackgroundIt is a widespread opinion that after treatment with psychotherapy, patients with anxiety disorders maintain their gains beyond the active treatment period, whereas patients treated with medication soon experience a relapse after treatment termination.AimsWe aimed to provide evidence on whether enduring effects of psychotherapy differ from control groups.MethodWe searched 93 randomised controlled studies with 152 study arms of psychological treatment (cognitive–behavioural therapy or other psychotherapies) for panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder that included follow-up assessments. In a meta-analysis, pre-post effect sizes for end-point and all follow-up periods were calculated and compared with control groups (medication: n = 16 study arms; pill and psychological placebo groups: n = 17 study arms).ResultsGains with psychotherapy were maintained for up to 24 months. For cognitive–behavioural therapy, we observed a significant improvement over time. However, patients in the medication group remained stable during the treatment-free period, with no significant difference when compared with psychotherapy. Patients in the placebo group did not deteriorate during follow-up, but showed significantly worse outcomes than patients in cognitive–behavioural therapy.ConclusionsNot only psychotherapy, but also medications and, to a lesser extent, placebo conditions have enduring effects. Long-lasting treatment effects observed in the follow-up period may be superimposed by effects of spontaneous remission or regression to the mean.Declaration of interestIn the past 12 months and in the near future, Dr Bandelow has been/will be on the speakers/advisory board for Hexal, Mundipharma, Lilly, Lundbeck, Pfizer and Servier. Dr Wedekind was on the speakers' board of AstraZeneca, Essex Pharma, Lundbeck and Servier. All other authors have nothing to declare.


2013 ◽  
Vol 203 (6) ◽  
pp. 436-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerstin Thirlwall ◽  
Peter J. Cooper ◽  
Jessica Karalus ◽  
Merryn Voysey ◽  
Lucy Willetts ◽  
...  

BackgroundPromising evidence has emerged of clinical gains using guided self-help cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for child anxiety and by involving parents in treatment; however, the efficacy of guided parent-delivered CBT has not been systematically evaluated in UK primary and secondary settings.AimsTo evaluate the efficacy of low-intensity guided parent-delivered CBT treatments for children with anxiety disorders.MethodA total of 194 children presenting with a current anxiety disorder, whose primary carer did not meet criteria for a current anxiety disorder, were randomly allocated to full guided parent-delivered CBT (four face-to-face and four telephone sessions) or brief guided parent-delivered CBT (two face-to-face and two telephone sessions), or a wait-list control group (trial registration: ISRCTN92977593). Presence and severity of child primary anxiety disorder (Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for DSM-IV, child/parent versions), improvement in child presentation of anxiety (Clinical Global Impression –Improvement scale), and change in child anxiety symptoms (Spence Children's Anxiety Scale, child/parent version and Child Anxiety Impact scale, parent version) were assessed at post-treatment and for those in the two active treatment groups, 6 months post-treatment.ResultsFull guided parent-delivered CBT produced superior diagnostic outcomes compared with wait-list at post-treatment, whereas brief guided parent-delivered CBT did not: at post-treatment, 25 (50%) of those in the full guided CBT group had recovered from their primary diagnosis, compared with 16 (25%) of those on the wait-list (relative risk (RR) 1.85, 95% CI 1.14–2.99); and in the brief guided CBT group, 18 participants (39%) had recovered from their primary diagnosis post-treatment (RR = 1.56, 95% CI 0.89–2.74). Level of therapist training and experience was unrelated to child outcome.ConclusionsFull guided parent-delivered CBT is an effective and inexpensive first-line treatment for child anxiety.


2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Finian O'Brien ◽  
Nollaig Olden ◽  
Maria Migone ◽  
Barbara Dooley ◽  
Louise Atkins ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectives: This study evaluated the effectiveness of group cognitive behavioural therapy (GCBT) for the treatment of anxiety disorders in children over an initial period of 12 weeks and to one-month follow-up. Parents of the children receiving GCBT participated in adjunctive psycho-education sessions and the effect of these sessions on parental anxiety was also evaluated.Methods: Participants were 12 children, six male and six female, aged between 11 and 15 years who were attending a child mental health service. Participants were interviewed with their parents and anxiety symptoms assessed, using the following measures: Anxiety Disorder Interview Schedule – revised, the Children's Depression Inventory, the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale, the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and the Child Behaviour Checklist. Parental anxiety levels were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. The 12 children were randomly assigned into two age- and sex-matched groups. While the first group received therapy, the second group acted as a treatment-as-usual control (TAU) group. The second group began group cognitive behavioural therapy after the 10-week waiting period. All participants and their parents provided structured feedback on the intervention.Results: Group cognitive behavioural therapy was significantly effective in reducing both child-reported depressive symptoms, and anxiety on the physiological, worry and total anxiety subscales of the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale. There were associated significant increases in the childrens' subjective levels of general and total self-esteem, that relating to their self-confidence with peers and when engaging in social and academic pursuits. Diagnosis of anxiety disorder reduced by an average of 67% immediately post-treatment, and by 72% by the onemonth follow-up period. Parents reported significant reductions in their children's levels of internalising symptoms, thought and attention problems. However, parents reported no significantly positive changes in their own levels of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms.Conclusions: Group cognitive-behavioural therapy is a useful and clinically effective intervention for the treatment of anxiety disorder in children.


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