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Kikas K, Werner-Seidler A, Upton E, Newby J. Illness Anxiety Disorder: A Review of the Current Research and Future Directions. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2024; 26:331-339. [PMID: 38748190 PMCID: PMC11211185 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-024-01507-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review recent evidence on Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD), including risk factors and precipitants, diagnostic classification, clinical characteristics of the disorder, and assessment and treatment in both children and adults. RECENT FINDINGS IAD places a substantial burden on both individuals and society. Despite its impact, understanding of the disorder is lacking and debates remain about whether IAD should be classified as an anxiety disorder and whether it is distinct from Somatic Symptom Disorder. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for IAD and there are multiple validated measures of health anxiety available. However, research on health anxiety in children and youth is limited. IAD is chronic, and debilitating, but when identified, it can be effectively treated with CBT. Research using DSM-5 IAD criteria is lacking, and more research is needed to better understand the disorder, particularly in children and youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Kikas
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Aliza Werner-Seidler
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emily Upton
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jill Newby
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Road Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Österman S, Hentati A, Forsell E, Axelsson E, Hedman-Lagerlöf E, Lindefors N, Ivanov VZ, Kraepelien M. Brief digital self-care intervention for health anxiety in a Swedish Medical University Clinic: a prospective single-group feasibility study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e077376. [PMID: 38135329 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In routine psychiatric care in Stockholm, Sweden, a comprehensive therapist-guided intervention for clinically significant health anxiety is implemented. However, there is a need for more easily accessible self-care interventions to improve treatment dissemination. This study aimed to transform an existing therapist-guided digital intervention into a self-care intervention, reducing patient burden and used clinical resources while maintaining quality and safety. DESIGN An uncontrolled feasibility study. SETTING Conducted at Karolinska Institutet, a medical university in Sweden, with nationwide recruitment trough online advertisements. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-five adults used the self-care intervention and underwent telephone assessments, along with completing self-rated questionnaires. INTERVENTION The newly developed 8-week self-care intervention was designed to be user-friendly without therapist guidance, and to facilitate high levels of behavioural engagement. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Indicators of quality and safety, including changes in health anxiety severity (primary), clinician time, participant adherence, perceived credibility/satisfaction with the intervention and adverse events, were benchmarked against a previous study of the more comprehensive intervention it was based on. RESULTS Compared with the original guided intervention, the self-care intervention was condensed in terms of text (up to 70% less reading), duration (8 weeks instead of 12) and number of exercises. Quality indicators were similar to the original version. Most participants worked actively with core components in the self-care intervention. Within-group effects on health anxiety from pretreatment to the 3-month follow-up were large (g=1.37; 95% CI 0.74 to 2.00). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS This brief digital self-care intervention shows potential for increasing access to treatment for individuals with health anxiety while reducing the burden on patients and clinical resources. Future studies should investigate the optimal type of intervention and support for different individuals, and if non-inferiority can be established. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05446766.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Österman
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amira Hentati
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Forsell
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erland Axelsson
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Liljeholmen University Primary Health Care Center, Academic Primary Health Care Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Gustavsberg University Primary Care Center, Academic Primary Care Center, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nils Lindefors
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Volen Z Ivanov
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Kraepelien
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Hurwitz C, Shiner CT, Sharrock MJ, Millard M, Mahoney A. Mindfulness-enhanced internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression: Outcomes in routine care. J Affect Disord 2023; 341:1-7. [PMID: 37625704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trials support the efficacy of mindfulness-enhanced, internet-based cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT) in reducing anxiety and depression symptom severity. However, it is unclear how effective these interventions are when delivered in routine clinical care settings. This study investigated the utilisation and treatment outcomes of an online mindfulness-enhanced CBT program in the general Australian community. METHODS Over a one-year study period, 2187 adults commenced the online mindfulness-enhanced CBT program. The program consisted of six sequential lessons to be completed within 90 days. Participants (mean age= 39 ± 14 years, 68 % female) completed measures of symptom severity for anxiety, depression, and psychological distress at pre-, mid- and post-treatment. Treatment effects were assessed via intention-to-treat linear mixed models with Hedges' g effect size calculations. RESULTS From pre- to post-treatment, the mindfulness-enhanced CBT program was associated with medium and large effect sized reductions in generalised anxiety symptom severity (g = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.74-0.86), depression symptom severity (g = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.68-0.80), and psychological distress (g = 0.97, 95%CI: 0.90-1.03). Program adherence was modest with approximately 30 % of participants completing all six lessons of the program. LIMITATIONS This study is limited by its lack of a comparator condition, longer-term follow-up, and assessment of the reasons for participant non-adherence. The relative acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness versus CBT components was not examined. CONCLUSION This study supports the effectiveness of mindfulness-enhanced iCBT for symptoms of anxiety and depression when delivered in a routine care setting under the supervision of community health care practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Hurwitz
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia.
| | - Christine T Shiner
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| | - Maria J Sharrock
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia.
| | - Michael Millard
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| | - Alison Mahoney
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
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Axelsson E, Hedman-Lagerlöf E. Unwanted outcomes in cognitive behavior therapy for pathological health anxiety: a systematic review and a secondary original study of two randomized controlled trials. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2023; 23:1001-1015. [PMID: 37614181 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2023.2250915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is effective for pathological health anxiety, but little is known about unwanted outcomes. AREAS COVERED We investigated unwanted outcomes in the form of adverse events, overall symptom deterioration, and dropouts in CBT for pathological health anxiety based on a systematic review of 19 randomized controlled trials (PubMed, PsycInfo, and OATD; last updated 2 June 2023; pooled N = 2188), and then a secondary original study of two randomized controlled trials (pooled N = 336). In the systematic review, 10% of participants in CBT reported at least one adverse event and 17% dropped out. Heterogeneity was substantial. In the original investigation, 17% reported at least one adverse event, 0-10% met criteria for overall symptom deterioration, and 10-19% dropped out. In guided Internet-delivered CBT, dropouts were more common with lower education and lower credibility/expectancy ratings. Higher adherence was associated with a larger reduction in health anxiety. EXPERT OPINION Unwanted effects are routinely seen in CBT for pathological health anxiety, but, under typical circumstances, appear to be acceptable in light of the treatment's efficacy. There is a need for more consistent methods to improve our understanding adverse events, dropouts, and overall symptom deterioration, and how these outcomes can be prevented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erland Axelsson
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Liljeholmen Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Academic Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Solna, Sweden
- Gustavsberg Primary Health Care Center, Region Stockholm, Gustavsberg, Sweden
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Skaczkowski G, van der Kruk S, Loxton S, Hughes-Barton D, Howell C, Turnbull D, Jensen N, Smout M, Gunn K. Web-Based Interventions to Help Australian Adults Address Depression, Anxiety, Suicidal Ideation, and General Mental Well-being: Scoping Review. JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e31018. [PMID: 35133281 PMCID: PMC8864526 DOI: 10.2196/31018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large number of Australians experience mental health challenges at some point in their lives. However, in many parts of Australia, the wait times to see general practitioners and mental health professionals can be lengthy. With increasing internet use across Australia, web-based interventions may help increase access to timely mental health care. As a result, this is an area of increasing research interest, and the number of publicly available web-based interventions is growing. However, it can be confusing for clinicians and consumers to know the resources that are evidence-based and best meet their needs. OBJECTIVE This study aims to scope out the range of web-based mental health interventions that address depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, or general mental well-being and are freely available to Australian adults, along with their impact, acceptability, therapeutic approach, and key features. METHODS The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR [PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews]) guided the review process. Keywords for the search were depression, anxiety, suicide, and well-being. The search was conducted using Google as well as the key intervention databases Beacon, Head to Health, and e-Mental Health in Practice. Interventions were deemed eligible if they targeted depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, or general mental well-being (eg, resilience) in adults; and were web-based, written in English, interactive, free, and publicly available. They also had to be guided by an evidence-based therapeutic approach. RESULTS Overall, 52 eligible programs were identified, of which 9 (17%) addressed depression, 15 (29%) addressed anxiety, 13 (25%) addressed general mental well-being, and 13 (25%) addressed multiple issues. Only 4% (2/52) addressed distress in the form of suicidal ideation. The most common therapeutic approach was cognitive behavioral therapy. Half of the programs guided users through exercises in a set sequence, and most programs enabled users to log in and complete the activities on their own without professional support. Just over half of the programs had been evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing symptoms, and 11% (6/52) were being evaluated at the time of writing. Program evaluation scores ranged from 44% to 100%, with a total average score of 85%. CONCLUSIONS There are numerous web-based programs for depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and general well-being, which are freely and publicly available in Australia. However, identified gaps include a lack of available web-based interventions for culturally and linguistically diverse populations and programs that use newer therapeutic approaches such as acceptance and commitment therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. Despite most programs included in this review being of good quality, clinicians and consumers should pay careful attention when selecting which program to recommend and use, as variations in the levels of acceptability and impact of publicly available programs do exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Skaczkowski
- Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Shannen van der Kruk
- Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sophie Loxton
- Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Donna Hughes-Barton
- Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Cate Howell
- Australian Medical Placements Health Education and Training, Adelaide, Australia
- Torrens University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Deborah Turnbull
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Neil Jensen
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Matthew Smout
- Justice and Society, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kate Gunn
- Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Wellbeing, Adelaide, Australia
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Sharrock MJ, Mahoney AE, Haskelberg H, Millard M, Newby JM. The uptake and outcomes of Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy for health anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Anxiety Disord 2021; 84:102494. [PMID: 34763219 PMCID: PMC8570415 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internet cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) for health anxiety has demonstrated efficacy but has not been evaluated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study presents the first evaluation of the uptake and outcomes of iCBT for health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS THIS WAY UP is an Australian digital mental health service which delivers iCBT interventions to community members. We compared the uptake of THIS WAY UP's iCBT course for health anxiety in an Australian adult sample who started the course before the pandemic (12th September 2019-11 th March 2020) to during the pandemic (12th March to 11th June 2020). The course was accessible to Australian adults over 18 years old, with no inclusion criteria. Outcomes included course registrations and commencements, lesson and course completion, and self-reported health anxiety (Short Health Anxiety Inventory), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item) and distress (Kessler-10). RESULTS From March to June 2020, we observed significant increases in course registrations (N = 238 vs N = 1057); and course commencements (N = 126 vs. N = 778). Large, significant improvements in health anxiety (g = 0.89), and distress (K10: g = 0.91), and medium improvements in depression (g = 0.55) were found. Course completion during COVID was 30.5%. CONCLUSIONS iCBT improved health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides scalable intervention that can address increased demands for mental health services in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J. Sharrock
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent’s Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Alison E.J. Mahoney
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent’s Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia,Corresponding author at: Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent’s Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
| | - Hila Haskelberg
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia.
| | - Michael Millard
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales at St Vincent's Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| | - Jill M. Newby
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia,Black Dog Institute, Hospital Road, Randwick, New South Wales 2031, Australia,Corresponding author at: School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
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Evaluating the quality and safety of health-related apps and e-tools: Adapting the Mobile App Rating Scale and developing a quality assurance protocol. Internet Interv 2021; 24:100379. [PMID: 33777705 PMCID: PMC7985461 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whilst apps and e-tools have tremendous potential as low-cost, scalable mental health intervention and prevention tools, it is essential that consumers and health professionals have a means by which to evaluate their quality and safety. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to: 1) adapt the original Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) in order to be appropriate for the evaluation of both mobile phone applications as well as e-tools; 2) test the reliability of the revised scale; and 3) develop a quality assurance protocol for identifying and rating new apps and e-tools to determine appropriateness for use in clinical practice. METHODS The MARS was adapted to include items specific to health-related apps and e-tools, such as the availability of resources, strategies for self-management, and quality information. The 41 apps and e-tools in the standard youth configuration of the InnoWell Platform, a digital tool designed to support or enhance mental health service delivery, were independently rated by two expert raters using the A-MARS. Cronbach's alpha was used to calculate the internal consistency and interclass correlation coefficients were used to calculate interrater reliability. RESULTS The A-MARS was shown to be a reliable scale with acceptable to excellent internal consistency and moderate to excellent interrater reliability across the subscales. Given the ever-increasing number of health information technologies on the market, a protocol to identify and rate new apps and e-tools for potential clinical use is presented. CONCLUSIONS Whilst the A-MARS is a useful tool to guide health professionals as they explore available apps and e-tools for potential clinical use, the training, time, and skill required to use it effectively may be prohibitive. As such, health professionals and services are likely to benefit from including a digital navigator as part of the care team to assist in selecting and rating apps and e-tools, increasing the usability of the data, and technology troubleshooting. When selecting, evaluating and/or recommending apps and e-tools to consumers, it is important to consider: 1) the availability of explicit strategies to set, monitor and review SMART goals; 2) the accessibility of credible, user friendly information and resources from reputable sources; 3) evidence of effectiveness; and 4) interoperability with other health information technologies.
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Newby J, Mason E, Kladnistki N, Murphy M, Millard M, Haskelberg H, Allen A, Mahoney A. Integrating internet CBT into clinical practice: a practical guide for clinicians. CLIN PSYCHOL-UK 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/13284207.2020.1843968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jill Newby
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Mason
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Natalie Kladnistki
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael Murphy
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael Millard
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hila Haskelberg
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adrian Allen
- Hyde Park Clinical Psychology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alison Mahoney
- Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Haig-Ferguson A, Cooper K, Cartwright E, Loades M, Daniels J. Practitioner review: health anxiety in children and young people in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Behav Cogn Psychother 2021; 49:129-143. [PMID: 32829718 PMCID: PMC7503041 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465820000636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Health-related fear is a normal and common response in the face of the global pandemic of COVID-19. Children and young people are frequently being exposed to messages about the threat to health, including from the media and authorities. Whilst for most, their anxiety will be proportionate to the threat, for some, existing pre-occupation with physical symptoms and illness will become more problematic. There is a growing body of evidence that health anxiety may occur in childhood, however much of the literature is taken from research using adult samples. This practitioner review aims to give an overview of the assessment and treatment of health-related worries in children and young people in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review is based on the limited existing evidence in this population and the more substantial evidence base for treating health anxiety in adults. We consider the adaptations needed to ensure such interventions are developmentally appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K. Cooper
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - E. Cartwright
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - M.E. Loades
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - J. Daniels
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
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