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Creswell C, Chessell C, Halliday G. Parent-led cognitive behaviour therapy for child anxiety problems: overcoming challenges to increase access to effective treatment. Behav Cogn Psychother 2023; 51:512-532. [PMID: 36458498 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465822000546] [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] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety problems have a particularly early age of onset and are common among children. As we celebrate the anniversary of the BABCP, it is important to recognise the huge contribution that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has made to the treatment of anxiety problems in children. CBT remains the only psychological intervention for child anxiety problems with a robust evidence base, but despite this, very few children with anxiety problems access CBT. Creative solutions are urgently needed to ensure that effective treatments can be delivered at scale. Here we focus on parent-led CBT as this offers a potential solution that is brief and can be delivered by clinicians without highly specialised training. Over the last decade there has been a substantial increase in randomised controlled trials evaluating this approach with consistent evidence of effectiveness. Nonetheless clinicians, and parents, often have concerns about trying the approach and can face challenges in its delivery. METHOD We draw on empirical evidence and our clinical experience to address some of these common concerns and challenges, with particular emphasis on the key principles of empowering parents and working with them to provide opportunities for new learning for their children. CONCLUSIONS We conclude by highlighting some important directions for future research and practice, including further evaluation of who does and does not currently benefit from the approach, determining how it should be adapted to optimise outcomes among groups that may not currently get maximum benefits and across cultures, and capitalising on recent technological developments to increase engagement and widen access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Creswell
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Chloe Chessell
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Gemma Halliday
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Ward AL, McPherson L, Mc Glanaghy E. Discussion Surrounding Theory, Knowledge, and Practical Applications for Clinical Nurse Specialists to Aid Them in Caring for Parents with Cancer Who Have Young Children. Semin Oncol Nurs 2023; 39:151483. [PMID: 37567835 DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2023.151483] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the theory, knowledge, and practical applications that clinical nurse specialists should consider adding to their "toolkit" to support them in caring for people affected by cancer with young children. DATA SOURCES Expert opinion and relevant studies on the topic formed the basis of this article. CONCLUSION A conversation with experts identified five key areas of knowledge important to supporting clinical nurse specialists in caring for people affected by cancer with young children: family-centered and systemic practice, nursing responsibilities and competencies, trauma-informed practice, adult life stages, and stages of child development. Key areas identified have relevance to all healthcare professionals working in cancer care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE This article provides a useful overview of psychological theories important to supporting healthcare professionals in caring for people affected by cancer. A discussion on the boundaries and competencies of the nursing role led to agreement about practical advice rooted in theory and knowledge that could benefit clinical practice. Concepts of emotional labor and the wounded healer were identified as important to inform reflection and supervision when caring for a parent affected by cancer who has a young family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Lauren Ward
- Consultant Nurse Cancer and Palliative Care, Directorate of Nursing, NHS Forth Valley, Stirling, UK; Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Lorraine McPherson
- Cancer and Palliative Care Facilitator, Directorate of Nursing, NHS Forth Valley, Stirling, UK
| | - Edel Mc Glanaghy
- Clinical Psychologist, Adult Psychological Therapies, NHS Forth Valley, Falkirk Community Hospital, Falkirk, UK
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Jewell C, Wittkowski A, Pratt D. The impact of parent-only interventions on child anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2022; 309:324-349. [PMID: 35460744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parent-only interventions for childhood anxiety may be an important alternative to resource and time intensive child-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy of parent-only interventions in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders in school-aged children. METHODS A systematic search of five databases (inception to March 2021) identified 29 eligible studies. A range of study designs were captured, including randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and case series. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Random effects meta-analyses were performed on parent- and child-reported outcomes and pre-test post-test effect sizes were calculated for uncontrolled studies. RESULTS Findings indicated a significant treatment effect for parent-only interventions compared to waitlist controls. No significant differences were found when comparing parent-only interventions with other active interventions; anxiety symptoms reduced in both conditions. No significant treatment effects were found for child-rated outcomes. Calculated effect sizes for uncontrolled studies were typically large, although sample sizes were small. No clear evidence was found for a superior type, duration or format of intervention. LIMITATIONS The methodological quality of many studies in this review (19/29) was rated 'weak'. Only English language papers were included. CONCLUSIONS To date, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of parent-only interventions for reducing symptoms of child anxiety disorders. Our results suggest that parent-only interventions may be effective in reducing child anxiety. These findings are important for clinical practice because they suggest that efficient, low intensity interventions delivered to parents may lead to positive outcomes for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jewell
- Centre for New Treatments and Understanding in Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - A Wittkowski
- Centre for New Treatments and Understanding in Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
| | - D Pratt
- Centre for New Treatments and Understanding in Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Chapman L, Hutson R, Dunn A, Brown M, Savill E, Cartwright-Hatton S. The impact of treating parental anxiety on children's mental health: An empty systematic review. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 88:102557. [PMID: 35397376 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Children of anxious parents are at heightened risk of developing an anxiety disorder of their own, but promising research indicates that targeting parenting behaviours can reduce the risk of intergenerational transmission of anxiety. Given there is extensive evidence for the efficacy of treatments for adult anxiety, the current review sought to identify whether interventions solely addressing parental symptoms had any effect on the mental health and wellbeing of their children. Randomised Controlled Trials of psychological interventions targeting adults with a probable anxiety disorder and which included a child mental health or wellbeing outcome were eligible for inclusion. Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, PsychINFO, and PsychArticles were searched, and 2137 articles were systematically reviewed. However, no articles were identified that met the review criteria. Research into interventions targeting adult anxiety is failing to consider the potential benefit treatment may have on dependent children. This is a missed opportunity to evaluate a potential means of support for children who are known to be at risk of anxiety. Evaluation of psychological interventions for adult anxiety should consider including both adult and child mental health outcomes to determine potential preventative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chapman
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, United Kingdom.
| | - Rosie Hutson
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Abby Dunn
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Maddy Brown
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Ella Savill
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, United Kingdom
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Exploring the Link Between Transdiagnostic Cognitive Risk Factors, Anxiogenic Parenting Behaviors, and Child Anxiety. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2021; 52:1032-1043. [PMID: 33068211 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-020-01078-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Theoretical models suggest parent anxiety leads to increased anxiogenic parenting, an important etiological factor for child anxiety disorders. Evidence suggests that parents engage in anxiogenic parenting to reduce distress in response to their child's anxiety; however, further study of this mechanism is needed. Cognitive risk factors, including distress intolerance, anxiety sensitivity, emotion-related impulsivity, and repetitive negative thinking are promising to examine as they impact emotion regulation. This study examined whether an indirect association between parent anxiety and anxiogenic parenting via these risk factors exists, and if child anxiety moderated this effect. Findings demonstrated evidence for an indirect association via distress intolerance in mothers at high levels of child anxiety, but not low levels. An unmoderated indirect effect via emotion-related impulsivity was found. Anxiety sensitivity and repetitive negative thinking did not demonstrate significant indirect effects. These findings suggest distress intolerance and emotional-related impulsivity may be targets for parent-focused child anxiety treatments.
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Lawrence PJ, Parkinson M, Jasper B, Creswell C, Halligan SL. Supporting the parents of children and young people with anxiety and depressive disorders is an opportunity not to be missed: a scoping review. Lancet Psychiatry 2021; 8:909-918. [PMID: 34537101 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(20)30315-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Guidance is scarce on whether and how to involve parents in treatment for anxiety and depressive disorders in children and young people. We did a scoping review of randomised controlled trials of psychological interventions for anxiety and depressive disorders in children and young people, in which parents were involved in treatment, to identify how parents and carers have been involved in such treatments, how this relates to both child and broader outcomes, and where research should focus. We identified 73 trials: 62 focused on anxiety and 11 on depressive disorders. How parents were involved in treatments varied greatly, with at least 13 different combinations of ways of involving parents in the anxiety trials and seven different combinations in the depression trials. Including parents in treatment did not impair children's and young people's outcomes, but the wide variability in how they were involved prevents clarity about why some trials favoured parent involvement and others did not. Studies must consider the long-term and wider benefits beyond children's and young people's mental health, such as enhanced engagement, family wellbeing, and economic gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Lawrence
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Monika Parkinson
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Bec Jasper
- Parents and Carers Together, Suffolk, UK
| | - Cathy Creswell
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Sarah L Halligan
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Ramirez AC, Grebe SC, McNeel MM, Limon DL, Schneider SC, Berry LN, Goin-Kochel RP, Cepeda SL, Voigt RG, Salloum A, Storch EA. Parent-led, stepped-care cognitive-behavioral therapy for youth with autism and co-occurring anxiety: study rationale and method. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PSIQUIATRIA (SAO PAULO, BRAZIL : 1999) 2020; 42:638-645. [PMID: 32520166 PMCID: PMC7678910 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2020-0897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders affect up to 50% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are significantly impairing to the person affected, as well as to their loved ones. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been established as the gold-standard treatment for anxiety disorders among typically developing youth and adults, and demonstrates similar efficacy among youth with high-functioning autism (HFA). Many CBT interventions utilize a "full-package" treatment approach to treat co-occurring anxiety in youth with ASD. However, these service delivery systems are often therapist-intensive, costly, and impractical, thereby compromising full engagement and treatment adherence. This paper describes the design, rationale, and methodology of a study examining stepped-care CBT for youth with HFA and co-occurring anxiety - a clinical trial examining the efficacy of low-intensity, parent-led CBT as the first line of treatment and utilizing a more intensive, therapist-led intervention for nonresponders. The study will evaluate the potential benefits of stepped-care and parent-led therapist-assisted interventions, predictors of treatment response, and the economic value of using a stepped-care model. Implications for practice will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. Ramirez
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Autism Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stacey C. Grebe
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Morgan M. McNeel
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Danica L. Limon
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Autism Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sophie C. Schneider
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Leandra N. Berry
- Autism Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robin P. Goin-Kochel
- Autism Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sandra L. Cepeda
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert G. Voigt
- Autism Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alison Salloum
- School of Social Work, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Eric A. Storch
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Creswell C, Waite P, Hudson J. Practitioner Review: Anxiety disorders in children and young people - assessment and treatment. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2020; 61:628-643. [PMID: 31960440 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant advancements in our knowledge of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, they continue to be underrecognised and undertreated. It is critical that these disorders are taken seriously in children and young people as they are highly prevalent, have a negative impact on educational, social and health functioning, create a risk of ongoing anxiety and other mental health disorders across the life span and are associated with substantial economic burden. Yet very few children with anxiety disorders access evidence-based treatments, and there is an urgent need for widespread implementation of effective interventions. This review aimed to provide an overview of recent research developments that will be relevant to clinicians and policymakers, particularly focusing on the development and maintenance of child anxiety disorders and considerations for assessment and treatment. Given the critical need to increase access to effective support, we hope this review will contribute to driving forward a step change in treatment delivery for children and young people with anxiety disorders and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Creswell
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Polly Waite
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Jennie Hudson
- Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Emerson LM, Ogielda C, Rowse G. The Role of Experiential Avoidance and Parental Control in the Association Between Parent and Child Anxiety. Front Psychol 2019; 10:262. [PMID: 30833916 PMCID: PMC6387941 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Parenting behavior and practices contribute to the intergenerational relationship between parent and child anxiety, with parental control being a consistent predictor of child anxiety. Parental experiential avoidance refers to how a parent copes with their internal world in the context of parenting. Little is known about how this relatively new parenting concept relates to child anxiety. The current study tested the indirect effect of parent anxiety on child anxiety through parental control and parental experiential avoidance; the indirect effect of parent anxiety on parental control through parental experiential avoidance; and the moderating effect of parental experiential avoidance on the relationship between parental control and child anxiety. Using a cross-sectional design, parents (N = 85) from a community sample of 8–12-year-old children self-reported on a survey measuring parent anxiety, child anxiety, parental control, and parental experiential avoidance. A hierarchical regression indicated that parental experiential avoidance significantly predicted child anxiety and accounted for further variance in child anxiety, over, and above parental control. There was an indirect effect of parent anxiety on child anxiety through parental control and parental experiential avoidance. Parental experiential avoidance moderated the relationship between parental control and child anxiety, such that the relationship was only significant at high levels of parental experiential avoidance. The current study provides support for the role of parental experiential avoidance in an intergenerational understanding of anxiety. Future research should replicate the study with a clinical sample. Theoretical and practice implications are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Emerson
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Claire Ogielda
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Georgina Rowse
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Parental Responses to Children’s Avoidance in Fear-Provoking Situations: Relation to Child Anxiety and Mediators of Intervention Response. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-018-9440-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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