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Takahashi T, Ishikawa SI, Aiboshi T, Miyauchi M. Evaluating the long-term effects of cognitive behavioural therapy as an early intervention for at-risk anxiety disorders among preschool children in Asia. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 29:994-1010. [PMID: 37578134 DOI: 10.1177/13591045231194104] [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: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
There are few evaluations of early intervention for the prevention of anxiety disorders in East Asia, and those that exist generally evaluate outcomes to a maximum of 6-12 months. The current study evaluated the long-term effect (5 years) of an anxiety prevention program presented to preschool children and their parents in Japan. Participants for the study were 10 inhibited children 5-6 years old and their parents. The parent's and children's program comprised group sessions of a cognitive-behavioural program. Parents and teachers completed the anxious/depressed, withdrawn and behavioural inhibition at pre-post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. Five years after starting the intervention, participants were invited to a diagnostic interview, Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS) to examine a long-term preventive effect of the intervention. The majority of children showed a reduction in anxious/depressed, behavioral inhibition, and approximately half showed reliable change according to parents' and teachers' reports. Moreover, the results indicated that 9 of the 10 children did not met the diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders. These results suggested that the early intervention had preventive effects because the diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders were not met in the follow-up assessment conducted five years later.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mai Miyauchi
- Hanagashima Clinic, Social Welfare Corporation Canvasnokai, Miyazaki, Japan
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2
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Rapee RM, Kuhnert R, Spence SH, Bowsher I, Burns J, Coen J, Dixon J, Kotselas P, Lourey C, McLellan LF, Mihalopoulos C, Peters L, Prendergast T, Roos T, Thomas D, Wuthrich V. The Brief Evaluation of Adolescents and Children Online (BEACON): Psychometric development of a mental health screening measure for school students. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:1420-1447. [PMID: 38425210 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
This paper describes the development and psychometric evaluation of a brief self-report measure (BEACON) to inform universal mental health screening in schools. Items assess symptoms and impairment associated with anxiety and attention/hyperactivity problems (grades 4-11) as well as depression and eating difficulties (grades 6-11), with optional items for suicidality and self-harm (grades 7-11). Initial item examination based on Item Response Theory (IRT) and classical test theory involved 3844 students in grades 4 through 11 (Study 1) and identified 18 items for grades 4-5 and 31 items for grades 6-11 that fulfilled pre-set criteria. Study 2 extended testing with 10,479 students in grades 4-11 and added an additional four items assessing impairment associated with eating difficulties for older students (grades 6-11) creating a total of 35 items for grades 6-11. All items, for both grade-level versions, met the pre-set criteria for IRT and classical test theory analysis supporting their strength in the measurement of the dimensions of concern. The measure showed good reliability (subscale alphas .87 to .95). Validity was also demonstrated against standard symptom measures, school grades, school absenteeism, and help-seeking. The BEACON appears to be a psychometrically sound measure to use in the first stage of school-based screening for mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald M Rapee
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Kuhnert
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan H Spence
- Australian Institute of Suicide Research and Prevention and School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mount Gravatt, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ian Bowsher
- Sydney Secondary College, Glebe, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Burns
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer Coen
- Wellbeing and CVE, Catholic Schools NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie Dixon
- The Mental Health Commission of NSW, Gladesville, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pauline Kotselas
- Psychology and Wellbeing Services, NSW Department of Education, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catherine Lourey
- The Mental Health Commission of NSW, Gladesville, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lauren F McLellan
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cathrine Mihalopoulos
- Monash University Health Economics Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lorna Peters
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Traci Prendergast
- Psychology and Wellbeing Services, NSW Department of Education, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tiffany Roos
- The Association of Independent Schools of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Danielle Thomas
- Perinatal, Child and Youth, Mental Health Branch, NSW Ministry of Health, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Viviana Wuthrich
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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de Jong R, Lommen MJJ, de Jong PJ, van Hout WJPJ, Duin-van der Marel ACE, Nauta MH. Effectiveness of exposure-based treatment for childhood anxiety disorders: An open clinical trial to test its relation with indices of emotional processing and inhibitory learning. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2024; 83:101942. [PMID: 38309121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2024.101942] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The current study examined how effectiveness of exposure-based CBT was related to indices of emotional processing and inhibitory learning during exposure exercises. METHODS Adolescents with anxiety disorder(s) (N = 72; age 11-19; 85% girls) received a group-based, intensive two-week treatment of which effectiveness was indexed by the SCARED and by ratings of anxiety and approach towards individualized goal situations. To index emotional processing, subjective units of distress (SUDs) were used to indicate both initial and final fear level, and absolute, relative, and total dose of fear reduction. To index inhibitory learning, subjective threat expectancies (STEs) were used to indicate initial and final threat expectancy, and absolute, relative, and total dose of expectancy change. RESULTS From pre-treatment to follow-up, there was a large-sized reduction of anxiety symptoms, small-sized decrease of subjective anxiety and a large-sized increase in subjective approach towards individual treatment goals. Higher fear levels prior to exposure were related to a larger decrease of symptoms. Higher threat expectancies after exposure exercises were independently associated with less decrease of anxiety and increase of approach towards treatment goals. Total dose of experienced fear reduction and total dose of experienced expectancy change were (partly) independently related to more increase in approach towards individualized goal situations. LIMITATIONS As patients also received other treatment elements, the results cannot be interpreted unequivocally. CONCLUSIONS The pattern of findings seems to indicate that emotional processing (as indexed by fear reduction) and inhibitory learning (as indexed by expectancy change) are both relevant in exposure-based CBT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel de Jong
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, the Netherlands.
| | - Miriam J J Lommen
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J de Jong
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, the Netherlands
| | - Wiljo J P J van Hout
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, the Netherlands
| | | | - Maaike H Nauta
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, the Netherlands
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Dickson SJ, Oar EL, Kangas M, Johnco CJ, Lavell CH, Seaton AH, McLellan LF, Wuthrich VM, Rapee RM. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Impairment and Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2024:10.1007/s10567-024-00484-5. [PMID: 38782783 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-024-00484-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are common, emerge during childhood, and pose a significant burden to society and individuals. Research evaluating the impact of anxiety on functional impairment and quality of life (QoL) is increasing; however, there is yet to be a systematic review and meta-analysis of these relationships in pediatric samples. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine the extent of impairments in functioning and QoL that young people with anxiety disorders experience relative to their healthy peers, as well as sociodemographic and clinical moderators of these relationships. Studies were included when they compared young people (mean age range within studies 7-17 years) with a primary clinical anxiety disorder to a healthy comparison group and measured impairment and/or QoL via a validated instrument. A total of 12 studies met criteria for this review (N = 3,129 participants). A majority of studies (K = 9) assessed impairment as an outcome measure, and three assessed QoL outcomes. Meta-analysis of nine studies (N = 1,457 children) showed large relationships between clinical anxiety and life impairment (g = 3.23) with the strongest effects seen for clinician report (g = 5.00), followed by caregiver (g = 2.15) and child (g = 1.58) report. The small number of studies and diversity in methodology prevented quantitative investigation of moderating factors. In the systematic review of QoL outcomes, all three studies reported significantly poorer QoL for youth with anxiety disorders relative to unaffected peers. Findings support the importance of measuring functioning and QoL as outcomes in clinical research and practice among anxious young people.This study is registered with PROSPERO under the identification number CRD42023439040.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie J Dickson
- Macquarie University Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Sydney, 2109, Australia
| | - Ella L Oar
- Macquarie University Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Sydney, 2109, Australia
| | - Maria Kangas
- Macquarie University Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Sydney, 2109, Australia
| | - Carly J Johnco
- Macquarie University Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Sydney, 2109, Australia
| | - Cassie H Lavell
- Macquarie University Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Sydney, 2109, Australia
| | - Ashleigh H Seaton
- Macquarie University Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Sydney, 2109, Australia
| | - Lauren F McLellan
- Macquarie University Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Sydney, 2109, Australia
| | - Viviana M Wuthrich
- Macquarie University Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Sydney, 2109, Australia
| | - Ronald M Rapee
- Macquarie University Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Sydney, 2109, Australia.
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Chessell C, Halldorsson B, Walters S, Farrington A, Harvey K, Creswell C. Therapist guided, parent-led cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for pre-adolescent children with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD): a non-concurrent multiple baseline case series. Behav Cogn Psychother 2024; 52:243-261. [PMID: 37840150 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465823000450] [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: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) including exposure and response prevention (ERP) is an effective treatment for preadolescent children with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD); however, there is a need to increase access to this treatment for affected children. AIMS This study is a preliminary evaluation of the efficacy and acceptability of a brief therapist-guided, parent-led CBT intervention for pre-adolescent children (5-12 years old) with OCD using a non-concurrent multiple baseline approach. METHOD Parents of 10 children with OCD were randomly allocated to no-treatment baselines of 3, 4 or 5 weeks before receiving six to eight individual treatment sessions with a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. Diagnostic measures were completed prior to the baseline, 1-week post-treatment, and at a 1-month follow-up, and parents completed weekly measures of children's OCD symptoms/impairment. RESULTS Seventy percent of children were 'responders' and/or 'remitters' on diagnostic measures at post-treatment, and 60% at the 1-month follow-up. At least 50% of children showed reliable improvements on parent-reported OCD symptoms/impairment from pre- to post-treatment, and from pre-treatment to 1-month follow-up. Crucially, the intervention was acceptable to parents. CONCLUSIONS Brief therapist-guided, parent-led CBT has the potential to be an effective, acceptable and accessible first-line treatment for pre-adolescent children with OCD, subject to the findings of further evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Chessell
- School of Psychological and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, UK
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Brynjar Halldorsson
- Department of Psychology, Reykjavik University, Iceland
- Landspitali, The National University Hospital of Iceland, Iceland
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Sasha Walters
- National Specialist CAMHS OCD, BDD, and Related Disorders Team, London, UK
- Oxford Psychological Intervention Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Alice Farrington
- CAMHS Anxiety and Depression Pathway, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Reading, UK
| | - Kate Harvey
- School of Psychological and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, UK
| | - Cathy Creswell
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, UK
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Creswell C, Taylor L, Giles S, Howitt S, Radley L, Whitaker E, Brooks E, Knight F, Raymont V, Hill C, van Santen J, Williams N, Mort S, Harris V, Yu S, Pollard J, Violato M, Waite P, Yu LM. Digitally augmented, parent-led CBT versus treatment as usual for child anxiety problems in child mental health services in England and Northern Ireland: a pragmatic, non-inferiority, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness randomised controlled trial. Lancet Psychiatry 2024; 11:193-209. [PMID: 38335987 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00429-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety problems are common in children, yet few affected children access evidence-based treatment. Digitally augmented psychological therapies bring potential to increase availability of effective help for children with mental health problems. This study aimed to establish whether therapist-supported, digitally augmented, parent-led cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) could increase the efficiency of treatment without compromising clinical effectiveness and acceptability. METHODS We conducted a pragmatic, unblinded, two-arm, multisite, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of therapist-supported, parent-led CBT using the Online Support and Intervention (OSI) for child anxiety platform compared with treatment as usual for child (aged 5-12 years) anxiety problems in 34 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in England and Northern Ireland. We examined acceptability of OSI plus therapist support via qualitative interviews. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to OSI plus therapist support or treatment as usual, minimised by child age, gender, service type, and baseline child anxiety interference. Outcomes were assessed at week 14 and week 26 after randomisation. The primary clinical outcome was parent-reported interference caused by child anxiety at week 26 assessment, using the Child Anxiety Impact Scale-parent report (CAIS-P). The primary measure of health economic effect was quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Outcome analyses were conducted blind in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population with a standardised non-inferiority margin of 0·33 for clinical analyses. The trial was registered with ISRCTN, 12890382. FINDINGS Between Dec 5, 2020, and Aug 3, 2022, 706 families (706 children and their parents or carers) were referred to the study information. 444 families were enrolled. Parents reported 255 (58%) child participants' gender to be female, 184 (41%) male, three (<1%) other, and one (<1%) preferred not to report their child's gender. 400 (90%) children were White and the mean age was 9·20 years (SD 1·79). 85% of families for whom clinicians provided information in the treatment as usual group received CBT. OSI plus therapist support was non-inferior for parent-reported anxiety interference on the CAIS-P (SMD 0·01, 95% CI -0·15 to 0·17; p<0·0001) and all secondary outcomes. The mean difference in QALYs across trial arms approximated to zero, and OSI plus therapist support was associated with lower costs than treatment as usual. OSI plus therapist support was likely to be cost effective under certain scenarios, but uncertainty was high. OSI plus therapist support acceptability was good. No serious adverse events were reported. INTERPRETATION Digitally augmented intervention brought promising savings without compromising outcomes and as such presents a valuable tool for increasing access to psychological therapies and meeting the demand for treatment of child anxiety problems. FUNDING Department for Health and Social Care and United Kingdom Research and Innovation Research Grant, National Institute for Health and Care (NIHR) Research Policy Research Programme, Oxford and Thames Valley NIHR Applied Research Collaboration, Oxford Health NIHR Biomedical Research Centre.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Creswell
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Lucy Taylor
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sophie Giles
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK
| | | | - Lucy Radley
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emily Whitaker
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emma Brooks
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fauzia Knight
- Centre for Psychological Sciences, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Vanessa Raymont
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Claire Hill
- School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - James van Santen
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicola Williams
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sam Mort
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Victoria Harris
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Shuye Yu
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jack Pollard
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mara Violato
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Polly Waite
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ly-Mee Yu
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Etkin RG, Lebowitz ER, Silverman WK. Assessing Anxiety-Related Impairment in Children and Adolescents. Assessment 2024; 31:94-109. [PMID: 37840296 DOI: 10.1177/10731911231194972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders (ADs) frequently lead to significant impairment across important domains of youth functioning. Yet until recently, clinical research and assessment have largely neglected the measurement of anxiety-related impairment. In this article, we review the evidence for five extant rating scales of youth anxiety-related impairment, guided by widely used evaluative criteria. Emerging psychometric data show the potential utility of these rating scales for achieving different assessment functions. Of the five scales, the Child Anxiety Impact Scale, particularly the parent-report version, has been the most researched one. Promising psychometric data support its use for assessing anxiety-related impairment in school, social, and family/home domains of functioning. We conclude with recommendations for growing this research base and for incorporating these rating scales into the youth AD clinical and research assessment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca G Etkin
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Eli R Lebowitz
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wendy K Silverman
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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March S, Spence SH, Myers L, Ford M, Smith G, Donovan CL. Stepped-care versus therapist-guided, internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy for childhood and adolescent anxiety: A non-inferiority trial. Internet Interv 2023; 34:100675. [PMID: 37779605 PMCID: PMC10539664 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2023.100675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This preregistered randomized trial examined whether a stepped-care approach to internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (ICBT-SC) is non-inferior to therapist-guided ICBT (ICBT-TG) for child and adolescent anxiety. Method Participants were 137 Australians, aged 8-17 years (56 male), with a primary anxiety disorder. This randomized, non-inferiority trial compared ICBT-SC to an evidence-based, ICBT-TG program with assessments conducted at baseline, 12 weeks and 9-months after treatment commencement. All ICBT-SC participants completed the first 5 online sessions without therapist guidance. If they responded to treatment in the first 5 sessions (defined as reductions of anxiety symptoms into non-clinical range), they continued without therapist guidance for the final 5 sessions. If they did not respond to treatment in the first 5 sessions, the final five sessions were supplemented with therapist-guidance (through email). All ICBT-TG participants received therapist guidance (email) after each session, for all 10 sessions. Measures included clinical diagnostic interview (severity rating as primary outcome), as well as parent and child reported anxiety and anxiety-related interference (secondary outcomes). Results ICBT-SC was found to be non-inferior to ICBT-TG on primary and secondary outcomes, according to clinician, parent and young person report at 12-weeks and 9-months. Treatment satisfaction was moderate to high for both conditions. Significant clinical benefits were evident for participants in both treatments. Of participants who remained in the study, 77 % (50.7 % ITT) of ICBT-SC and 77 % (57.1 % ITT) of ICBT-TG were free of their primary anxiety diagnosis by 9-month follow-up, with no differences between conditions. Conclusion A stepped-care ICBT approach for clinically anxious children and adolescents may offer an acceptable treatment model that can increase access to evidence-based treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja March
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, QLD 4300, Australia
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
| | - Susan H Spence
- Australian Institute of Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Queensland 4122, Australia
| | - Larry Myers
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, QLD 4300, Australia
| | - Martelle Ford
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, QLD 4300, Australia
- School of Psychology and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, QLD 4305, Australia
| | - Genevieve Smith
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, QLD 4300, Australia
| | - Caroline L Donovan
- School of Applied Psychology, Centre for Mental Health, Griffith University, Queensland 4122, Australia
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9
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Novick DR, Meyer CT, Wagner NJ, Rubin KH, Danko CM, Dougherty LR, Druskin LR, Smith KA, Chronis-Tuscano A. Testing reciprocal associations between child anxiety and parenting across early interventions for inhibited preschoolers. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:1665-1678. [PMID: 37644651 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13879] [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: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the robust evidence base for the efficacy of evidence-based treatments targeting youth anxiety, researchers have advanced beyond efficacy outcome analysis to identify mechanisms of change and treatment directionality. Grounded in developmental transactional models, interventions for young children at risk for anxiety by virtue of behaviorally inhibited temperament often target parenting and child factors implicated in the early emergence and maintenance of anxiety. In particular, overcontrolling parenting moderates risk for anxiety among highly inhibited children, just as child inhibition has been shown to elicit overcontrolling parenting. Although longitudinal research has elucidated the temporal unfolding of factors that interact to place inhibited children at risk for anxiety, reciprocal transactions between these child and parent factors in the context of early interventions remain unknown. METHOD This study addresses these gaps by examining mechanisms of change and treatment directionality (i.e., parent-to-child vs. child-to-parent influences) within a randomized controlled trial comparing two interventions for inhibited preschoolers (N = 151): the multicomponent Turtle Program ('Turtle') and the parent-only Cool Little Kids program ('CLK'). Reciprocal relations between parent-reported child anxiety, observed parenting, and parent-reported accommodation of child anxiety were examined across four timepoints: pre-, mid-, and post-treatment, and one-year follow-up (NCT02308826). RESULTS Hypotheses were tested via latent curve models with structured residuals (LCM-SR) and latent change score (LCS) models. LCM-SR results were consistent with the child-to-parent influences found in previous research on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for older anxious youth, but only emerged in Turtle. LCS analyses revealed bidirectional effects of changes in parent accommodation and child anxiety during and after intervention, but only in Turtle. CONCLUSION Our findings coincide with developmental transactional models, suggesting that the development of child anxiety may result from child-to-parent influences rather than the reverse, and highlight the importance of targeting parent and child factors simultaneously in early interventions for young, inhibited children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R Novick
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Christian T Meyer
- Department of Human Development & Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas J Wagner
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth H Rubin
- Department of Human Development & Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Christina M Danko
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Lea R Dougherty
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Lindsay R Druskin
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Kelly A Smith
- Department of Human Development & Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
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10
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Etkin RG, Juel EK, Lebowitz ER, Silverman WK. Does Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Youth Anxiety Disorders Improve Social Functioning and Peer Relationships? Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2023; 26:1052-1076. [PMID: 37838627 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-023-00454-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Child and adolescent anxiety disorders (ADs) contribute to impairment in social functioning and peer relationships, exacerbating anxiety and related difficulties. The extent to which the AD treatment with the strongest evidence-base, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), improves social functioning and peer relationships is unclear. In this article, we report results of the first systematic narrative review of this topic. Randomized clinical trials of CBT for child and/or adolescent ADs were included if they used at least one measure of social functioning or peer relationships as a treatment outcome. Sixteen studies met our inclusion criteria. From each study, we extracted the sample characteristics, treatment arms, social and/or peer outcome measures, and statistical findings. Results show that social functioning and/or peer relationships improved over time in the majority of studies, highlighting an important aspect of treatment efficacy beyond anxiety reduction. There were also several treatment-specific effects, but considerable variability across studies' samples, methods, and findings, makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions about which specific treatments improve specific outcomes. We recommend next steps for research to reconcile these findings, including improved operationalization and standardization of social and peer outcomes, and research on treatment specificity and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca G Etkin
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 S. Frontage Rd., New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Emily K Juel
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 S. Frontage Rd., New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Eli R Lebowitz
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 S. Frontage Rd., New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Wendy K Silverman
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 S. Frontage Rd., New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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Pickles A, Edwards D, Horvath L, Emsley R. Research Reviews: Advances in methods for evaluating child and adolescent mental health interventions. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:1765-1775. [PMID: 37793673 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13892] [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: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKROUND The evidence base for interventions for child mental health and neurodevelopment is weak and the current capacity for rigorous evaluation limited. We describe some of the challenges that make this field particularly difficult and expensive for evaluation studies. METHODS We describe and review the use of novel study designs and analysis methodology for their potential to improve this situation. RESULTS While several novel designs appeared ill-suited to our field, systematic review found others that offered potential but had yet to be widely adopted, some not at all. CONCLUSIONS While funding is inevitably a constraint, we argue that improvements in the evidence base of both current and new treatments will only be achieved by the adoption of a number of these new technologies and study designs, the consistent application of rigorous constructive but demanding standards, and the engagement of the public, patients, clinical and research services to build a design, recruitment, and analysis infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Pickles
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Danielle Edwards
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Levente Horvath
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Richard Emsley
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, King's College London, London, UK
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12
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de Jong R, Lommen MJJ, van Hout WJPJ, Kuijpers RCWM, Stone L, de Jong P, Nauta MH. Better together? A randomized controlled microtrial comparing different levels of therapist and parental involvement in exposure-based treatment of childhood specific phobia. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 100:102785. [PMID: 37832323 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102785] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure is often limited to homework assignments in routine clinical care. The current study compares minimally-guided (MGE) and parent-guided (PGE) out-session homework formats to the 'golden standard' of therapist-guided in-session exposure with minimally-guided exposure at home (TGE). METHODS Children with specific phobia (N = 55, age 8-12, 56% girls) participated in a single-blind, randomized controlled microtrial with a four-week baseline-treatment period design. Clinical interviews, behavioral avoidance tests, and self-report measures were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at one-month follow-up. RESULTS TGE resulted in a larger decline of specific phobia severity from baseline to post-treatment compared to MGE but not compared to PGE. Parental anxiety was found to be a moderator of less treatment efficacy of PGE from baseline to post-treatment. Overall, there was no meaningful difference in efficacy of TGE versus MGE or PGE from baseline to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that for improving short-term treatment gains, exposure exercises can best be conducted with the help of a therapist within the therapy session before they are conducted as homework assignments outside the therapy session. However, for long-term treatment gains exposure exercises can be handled by the child itself or with help of its parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel de Jong
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, the Netherlands.
| | - Miriam J J Lommen
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, the Netherlands
| | - Wiljo J P J van Hout
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, the Netherlands
| | | | - Lisanne Stone
- Karakter Child and Youth Psychiatry, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter de Jong
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, the Netherlands; Radboud University Nijmegen, Department of Pedagogical Sciences, the Netherlands; Karakter Child and Youth Psychiatry, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike H Nauta
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, the Netherlands
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13
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Rowe AK, Evans JL, Donovan CL, Spence SH, March S. Short Research Article: Changes in life functioning in a self-help, online program for child and adolescent anxiety. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2023; 28:565-572. [PMID: 36653122 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12637] [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] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety-related functional impairment, as reflected by life interference, is a lesser explored but highly relevant treatment outcome, and it is crucial that it be included and examined in the evaluation of treatment outcomes of internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT). METHODS This single group, pre-post study examined changes in life interference and anxiety symptoms in a sample of children (n = 1198; mean age 9.66 years) and adolescents (n = 721; mean age 13.66 years) participating in the BRAVE Self-Help program in Australia. RESULTS Results demonstrated that both children and adolescents showed improvements in anxiety symptoms, with effect sizes ranging from ηp 2 = .194-.318. Reductions in life interference were evident for children (ηp 2 = .008-.044), particularly later in the programme, but adolescents did not show such effects. Adolescents in the low completer group (completing 3-5 sessions) showed increases in at-home interference (ηp 2 = .038). CONCLUSIONS Adolescents in particular may require more sessions before entrenched life interference, such as that resulting from avoidance behaviours, can be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlen K Rowe
- School of Psychology & Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Qld, Australia
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Qld, Australia
| | - Jocelyn L Evans
- School of Psychology & Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Qld, Australia
| | - Caroline L Donovan
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Qld, Australia
| | - Susan H Spence
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Qld, Australia
- Australian Institute for Suicide Prevention, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Qld, Australia
| | - Sonja March
- School of Psychology & Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Qld, Australia
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield, Qld, Australia
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14
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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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15
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Hipolito G, Pagnamenta E, Stacey H, Wright E, Joffe V, Murayama K, Creswell C. A systematic review and meta-analysis of nonpharmacological interventions for children and adolescents with selective mutism. JCPP ADVANCES 2023; 3:e12166. [PMID: 37720585 PMCID: PMC10501694 DOI: 10.1002/jcv2.12166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder that often starts in early years with serious and lasting consequences. Nonpharmacological interventions are commonly seen as the preferred first treatment. This systematic review identifies outcome measures used and outcomes achieved for nonpharmacological interventions for children and adolescents with SM. Methods Systematic searches were conducted using 13 electronic databases and hand searches, including peer-reviewed and grey literature since 1992. Results Twenty-five studies were identified. While specific measures varied, all studies reported an outcome measure for speaking behaviour and 18 used a measure of anxiety. Few studies reported measures of SM remission (k = 6), well-being (k = 6), academic impact (k = 2), or quality of life (k = 1). Within subject outcomes for nonpharmacological interventions were variable for improvements in speaking behaviours (very small to large positive effects) and reduction in anxiety symptoms (very small negative to large positive effects). Only five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. Three studies compared a combined systems/behavioural approach with waitlist controls indicating a significant and large effect (Hedges g = 1.06, p < .0001, 95% CI: 0.57-1.56) on improved speaking behaviour. Two of these RCTs showed a large effect for SM remission favouring the intervention (Risk Ratio = 4.25, p = .1774, 95% CI: 0.52-34.84) but this did not reach statistical significance. Non-significant outcomes for two RCTs with active controls (Hedges g = 0.55, p < .2885, 95% CI: -0.47 to 1.57) showed considerable heterogeneity in approach and outcomes, one with large and one with negligible effects. Conclusion Despite the considerable impairment caused by SM, there has been little systematic evaluation of non-pharmacological interventions. Although combined systems/behavioural interventions are promising, further systematic evaluations are urgently needed to inform treatment approaches. Cross-study measurement harmonisation is required to promote learning from all studies, including wider clinical and economic outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gino Hipolito
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
- Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy DepartmentSt George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
- Department of Experimental PsychologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Emma Pagnamenta
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Helen Stacey
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Emily Wright
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Victoria Joffe
- School of Health and Social CareUniversity of EssexColchesterUK
| | - Kou Murayama
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
- Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and PsychologyUniversity of TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - Cathy Creswell
- Department of Experimental PsychologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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16
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Rapee RM, Creswell C, Kendall PC, Pine DS, Waters AM. Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents: A summary and overview of the literature. Behav Res Ther 2023; 168:104376. [PMID: 37499294 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Considerable work has advanced understanding of the nature, causes, management, and prevention of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents over the past 30 years. Prior to this time the primary focus was on school refusal and specific phobias. It is now recognised that children and adolescents experience the full gamut of anxiety disorders in very similar ways to adults and that anxiety disorders in the paediatric years can predict a lifelong mental-health struggle. Given the vast array of specific studies in this field, the current review summarises current knowledge about these high prevalence disorders, points to overarching limitations, and suggests potentially important future directions. Following a brief historical overview, the review summarises knowledge about demographic and epidemiological characteristics, distal and proximal risk factors, current treatment directions, and prevention. There is still a great deal to learn about the causes and treatments of child and adolescent anxiety disorders. By amalgamating our current knowledge, this review provides a window to the research directions that are likely to lead to future advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald M Rapee
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Cathy Creswell
- Departments of Psychiatry and Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Philip C Kendall
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders Clinic, USA
| | - Daniel S Pine
- National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program (NIMH-IRP), USA
| | - Allison M Waters
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
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17
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Conti G, Amadori F, Bordanzi A, Majorana A, Bardellini E. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Dentistry: Insights from an Italian Cross-Sectional Survey. Dent J (Basel) 2023; 11:154. [PMID: 37366677 DOI: 10.3390/dj11060154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on pediatric dentistry and also dental education. This study aimed to assess the observed changes in children's oral health by pediatric dentists and also served as an educational tool for dentistry students during the pandemic. METHODS Postgraduate students in pediatric dentistry prepared a survey addressed to Italian pediatric dentists. Over 5476 dentists were invited to participate, and collaboration among the students took place through virtual meetings and electronic platforms. The online questionnaire was composed of 29 questions focusing on the management of pediatric patients during and after the lockdown period. A descriptive statistic was used for data analysis, and chi-square tests were performed (p < 0.05). RESULTS A total of 1752 pediatric dentists participated in the survey. During the lockdown, 68.3% of dentists exclusively handled dental emergencies. In the subsequent semester, a significant decrease in the number of pediatric treatments was reported. Pediatric dentists also noted a decline in children's oral hygiene practices, a deterioration in dietary habits, and an increase in anxiety during dental procedures. CONCLUSIONS This survey shed light on the diverse effects of the pandemic on children's oral health and also provided valuable educational insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Conti
- Department of Medicine e Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Insubria-Italy Via Ravasi 2, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Francesca Amadori
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Public Health, School of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Brescia, Italy Pl. Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bordanzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Public Health, School of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Brescia, Italy Pl. Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Majorana
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Public Health, School of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Brescia, Italy Pl. Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena Bardellini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Public Health, School of Pediatric Dentistry, University of Brescia, Italy Pl. Spedali Civili 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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18
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Jong RD, Hofs A, Lommen MJJ, van Hout WJPJ, Jong PJD, Nauta MH. Treating specific phobia in youth: A randomized controlled microtrial comparing gradual exposure in large steps to exposure in small steps. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 96:102712. [PMID: 37043895 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure may be especially effective when within exercises, there is a strong violation of threat expectancies and much opportunity for fear reduction. Outcomes of exposure may therefore improve when exposure is conducted in large steps (LargeSE) relative to small steps (SmallSE). METHODS Children and young people with a specific phobia (SP) (N = 50, age 8-17, 64 % girls) participated in a preregistered single-blind, randomized controlled microtrial comparing LargeSE and SmallSE in a four-week baseline-treatment design. Clinical interviews, behavioral avoidance tests, and self-report measures were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at one-month follow-up. RESULTS Within exercises, LargeSE resulted in higher initial fear levels and more within-session expectancy violation. Nevertheless, SmallSE resulted in a larger decline of SP severity from baseline to post-treatment and follow-up, and a larger decline of anxiety and avoidance towards one's individual goal from baseline to follow-up. There were no differences between LargeSE and SmallSE regarding changes in general self-efficacy or behavioral avoidance. Although session duration was standardized and similar for both conditions, participants in SmallSE received more (shorter) exercises. DISCUSSION SmallSE might be more effective in reducing SP severity because children in SmallSE were exposed to a larger number and variety of exercises than children in LargeSE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel de Jong
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, the Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Hofs
- Accare Child Study Center, University Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Miriam J J Lommen
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, the Netherlands
| | - Wiljo J P J van Hout
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J De Jong
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike H Nauta
- University of Groningen, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, the Netherlands; Accare Child Study Center, University Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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19
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Schniering CA, Forbes MK, Rapee RM, Wuthrich VM, Queen AH, Ehrenreich-May J. Assessing Functional Impairment in Youth: Development of the Adolescent Life Interference Scale for Internalizing Symptoms (ALIS-I). Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023; 54:508-519. [PMID: 34655359 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-021-01241-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This study described the psychometric properties of a self-report measure of functional impairment related to anxiety and depression in adolescents, the Adolescent Life Interference Scale for Internalizing symptoms (ALIS-I). A clinical sample of 266 adolescents and a community sample of 63 adolescents, aged 11 to 18 years (Mean = 14.7, SD = 1.71) completed the ALIS-I and additional measures assessing internalizing problems. Exploratory factor analyses indicated four distinct but correlated factors of life interference related to personal withdrawal/avoidance, peer problems, problems with study/work, and somatic symptoms. Reliability and retest reliability (8-12 weeks) of the total score were high and psychometric properties of the subscales were acceptable. The ALIS-I effectively discriminated between clinical and community control groups, and expected correlations were shown between ALIS-I subscales and other related symptom measures. The ALIS-I is a promising instrument for the assessment of functional impairment related to internalizing disorders in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn A Schniering
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia. .,Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA.
| | - Miriam K Forbes
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Ronald M Rapee
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Viviana M Wuthrich
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Alexander H Queen
- Department of Psychology, Tufts University, 490 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Jill Ehrenreich-May
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
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20
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Becker KD, Chorpita BF. Future Directions in Youth and Family Treatment Engagement: Finishing the Bridge Between Science and Service. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2023; 52:284-309. [PMID: 36787342 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2023.2169926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
The field has spent more than 50 years investing in the quality of youth mental healthcare, with intervention science yielding roughly 1,300 efficacious treatments. In the latter half of this period, concurrent efforts in implementation science have developed effective methods for supporting front-line service organizations and therapists to begin to bridge the science to service gap. However, many youths and families still do not benefit fully from these strategic investments due to low treatment engagement: nearly half of youths in need of services pursue them, and among those who do, roughly another half terminate prematurely. The negative impact of low engagement is substantial, and is disproportionally and inequitably so for many. We contend that to build a robust and "finished" bridge connecting science and service, the field must go beyond its two historical foci of designing interventions and preparing therapists to deliver them, to include an intentional focus on the youths and families who participate in these interventions and who work with those therapists. In this paper, we highlight the significance of treatment engagement in youth mental healthcare and discuss the current state of the literature related to four priorities: conceptualization, theory, measurement, and interventions. Next, we offer an example from our own program of research as one illustration for advancing these priorities. Finally, we propose recommendations to act on these priorities.
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21
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Green I, Reardon T, Button R, Williamson V, Halliday G, Hill C, Larkin M, Sniehotta FF, Ukoumunne OC, Ford T, Spence SH, Stallard P, Creswell C. Increasing access to evidence-based treatment for child anxiety problems: online parent-led CBT for children identified via schools. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2023; 28:42-51. [PMID: 36514819 PMCID: PMC10108299 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety problems are extremely common and have an early age of onset. We previously found, in a study in England, that fewer than 3% of children with an anxiety disorder identified in the community had accessed an evidence-based treatment (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; CBT). Key ways to increase access to CBT for primary school-aged children with anxiety problems include (a) proactive identification through screening in schools, (b) supporting parents and (c) the provision of brief, accessible interventions (and capitalising on technology to do this). METHOD We provided a brief, therapist guided treatment called Online Support and Intervention (OSI) to parents/carers of children identified, through school-based screening, as likely to have anxiety problems. Fifty out of 131 children from 17 Year 4 classes in schools in England screened positive for 'possible anxiety problems' and 42 (84%) of these (and 7 who did not) took up the offer of OSI. We applied quantitative and qualitative approaches to assess children's outcomes and families' experiences of this approach. RESULTS Inbuilt outcome monitoring indicated session on session improvements throughout the course of treatment, with substantial changes across measures by the final module (e.g. Child Outcome Rating Scale d = 0.84; Goal Based Outcomes d = 1.52). Parent engagement and satisfaction was high as indicated by quantitative and qualitative assessments, and intervention usage. CONCLUSIONS We provide promising preliminary evidence for the use of OSI as an early intervention for children identified as having anxiety problems through school-based screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iheoma Green
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Tessa Reardon
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Victoria Williamson
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Gemma Halliday
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Claire Hill
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Michael Larkin
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Falko F Sniehotta
- Department of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- NIHR Policy Research Unit Behavioural Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Obioha C Ukoumunne
- NIHR ARC South West Peninsula (PenARC), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Tamsin Ford
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Susan H Spence
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, and School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Cathy Creswell
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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22
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Castagna PJ, Waschbusch DA. Multi-Informant Ratings of Childhood Limited Prosocial Emotions: Mother, Father, and Teacher Perspectives. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2023; 52:119-133. [PMID: 36473070 PMCID: PMC9898204 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2022.2151452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Modest agreement between mothers', fathers', and teachers' reports of child psychopathology can cause diagnostic ambiguity. Despite this, there is little research on informant perspectives of youth's limited prosocial emotions (LPEs). We examined the relationship between mother-, father-, and teacher-reported LPE in a clinical sample of elementary school-aged children. METHOD The sample included 207 primarily Caucasian (n = 175, 84.5%) children (136 boys; 65.7%) aged 6-13 years (M = 8.35, SD = 2.04) referred to an outpatient child diagnostic clinic focused on externalizing problems. We report the percentage of youth meeting LPE criteria as a function of informant perspective(s). Utilizing standard scores, we report distributions of informant dyads in agreement/disagreement regarding child LPE, followed up by polynomial regressions to further interrogate the relationship between mother-, father-, and teacher-reported LPE as it relates to conduct problems (CPs). RESULTS The prevalence of child LPE was approximately twice as large when compared to those reported in community samples; mothers and fathers generally agreed on their child's LPE symptoms (55% agreement). Higher-order nonlinear interactions between mothers and fathers, as well as parents and teachers, emerged; discrepancies between informants, characterized by low levels of LPE reported by the child's mother, were predictive of youth at the highest risk for CPs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings emphasize the clinical utility of gathering multiple reports of LPE when serious CPs are suspected. It may be beneficial for clinicians to give significant consideration to teacher reported LPE when interpreting multiple-informant reports of LPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J. Castagna
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Daniel A. Waschbusch
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Hershey, PA, USA
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Reardon T, Ukoumunne OC, Violato M, Ball S, Brown P, Ford T, Gray A, Hill C, Jasper B, Larkin M, Macdonald I, Morgan F, Pollard J, Sancho M, Sniehotta FF, Spence SH, Stallard P, Stainer J, Taylor L, Williamson V, Day E, Fisk J, Green I, Halliday G, Hennigan C, Pearcey S, Robertson O, Creswell C. Identifying Child Anxiety Through Schools-identification to intervention (iCATS-i2i): protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial to compare screening, feedback and intervention for child anxiety problems to usual school practice. Trials 2022; 23:896. [PMID: 36273185 PMCID: PMC9587579 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06773-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systematically screening for child anxiety problems, and offering and delivering a brief, evidence-based intervention for children who are identified as likely to benefit would minimise common barriers that families experience in accessing treatment. We have developed a short parent-report child anxiety screening questionnaire, and procedures for administering screening questionnaires, sharing screening outcomes with families, and offering and delivering a brief parent-led online intervention (OSI: Online Support and Intervention for child anxiety) through schools. This trial aims to evaluate clinical and health economic outcomes for (1) children (aged 8–9) who screen positive for anxiety problems at baseline (target population) and (2) the wider population of all children in participating classes (total population) in schools randomly allocated to receive identification-to-intervention procedures and usual school practice (‘screening and intervention’), compared to assessment and usual school practice only (‘usual school practice’). Methods The trial design is a parallel-group, superiority cluster randomised controlled trial, with schools (clusters) randomised to ‘screening and intervention’ or ‘usual school practice’ arms in a 1:1 ratio stratified according to the level of deprivation within the school. We will recruit schools and participants in two phases (a pilot phase (Phase 1) and Phase 2), with progression criteria assessed prior to progressing to Phase 2. In total, the trial will recruit 80 primary/junior schools in England, and 398 children (199 per arm) who screen positive for anxiety problems at baseline (target population). In schools allocated to ‘screening and intervention’: (1) parents/carers will complete a brief parent-report child anxiety screening questionnaire (at baseline) and receive feedback on their child’s screening outcomes (after randomisation), (2) classes will receive a lesson on managing fears and worries and staff will be provided with information about the intervention and (3) parents/carers of children who screen positive for anxiety problems (target population) will be offered OSI. OSI will also be available for any other parents/carers of children in participating classes (total population) who request it. We will collect child-, parent- and teacher-report measures for the target population and total population at baseline (before randomisation), 4 months, 12 months and 24 months post-randomisation. The primary outcome will be the proportion of children who screen positive for anxiety problems at baseline (target population) who screen negative for anxiety problems 12 months post-randomisation. Discussion This trial will establish if systematic screening for child anxiety problems, sharing screening outcomes with families and delivering a brief parent-led online intervention through schools is effective and cost-effective. Trial registration ISRCTN registry ISRCTN76119074. Prospectively registered on 4.1.2022. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06773-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Reardon
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Obioha C Ukoumunne
- NIHR ARC South West Peninsula (PenARC), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Mara Violato
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Susan Ball
- NIHR ARC South West Peninsula (PenARC), University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Paul Brown
- Bransgore C of E Primary School, Bransgore, UK
| | - Tamsin Ford
- University of Cambridge and Cambridge and Peterborough Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alastair Gray
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Claire Hill
- School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Bec Jasper
- Parents and Carers Together, Suffolk, UK
| | - Michael Larkin
- Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Jack Pollard
- Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Falko F Sniehotta
- NIHR Policy Research Unit Behavioural Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Susan H Spence
- School of Applied Psychology and Australian Institute of Suicide Research and Prevention, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Lucy Taylor
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Victoria Williamson
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily Day
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer Fisk
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Iheoma Green
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Gemma Halliday
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ciara Hennigan
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Samantha Pearcey
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Olly Robertson
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Cathy Creswell
- Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Oxford NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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Schniering CA, Einstein D, Kirkman JJL, Rapee RM. Online treatment of adolescents with comorbid anxiety and depression: A randomized controlled trial. J Affect Disord 2022; 311:88-94. [PMID: 35594970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.05.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adolescents experiencing both anxiety and mood disorders show greater life impairment than those with either disorder alone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an online cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) program for these comorbid youth. METHODS Ninety-one adolescents aged 12 to 17 years (M = 14.29, S.D. = 1.62; 66% female) participated if they met DSM-5 criteria for both an anxiety and depressive disorder. Diagnoses were assessed by structured interview and participants also completed measures of symptoms, negative thoughts, and life interference. Participants were randomly allocated to either active treatment (n = 45) or wait (n = 46). Treatment comprised access to an 8-module, online program and was supported by 8, 30-minute telephone sessions with a therapist and the youth, of which the caregiver participated in four. RESULTS Treated participants showed significantly greater reduction than waiting participants on the primary outcome: total number of disorders and were more likely to remit from all anxiety and mood disorders (43.8% vs 20.9%). Secondary outcomes covering symptoms of anxiety and depression showed similar group by time differences, but there was no significant group by time interaction on life interference. CONCLUSIONS This brief, easily accessible, online intervention that requires relatively low levels of therapist time showed promising impact for a very impaired population. REGISTRATION This trial was registered on the ANZ clinical trials registry-ACTRN12616000139471.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn A Schniering
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109. Australia.
| | | | | | - Ronald M Rapee
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109. Australia.
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25
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Dickson SJ, Kuhnert RL, Lavell CH, Rapee RM. Impact of Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders on Global and Domain-Specific Functioning: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2022; 25:720-736. [PMID: 35794304 PMCID: PMC9622529 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-022-00402-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A substantial empirical base supports the use of psychotherapy to alleviate anxiety symptoms and diagnoses in children and adolescents. However, focusing only on symptom or diagnostic reduction provides an incomplete picture of clinically meaningful efficacy given that anxiety disorders in this age group are integrally associated with problems in functioning. A systematic review and meta-analysis (N studies = 40, N participants = 3094) evaluating the impacts of psychotherapy for anxiety was conducted on the following outcomes: global functioning, social functioning, academic functioning, and school attendance. Randomised controlled trials with a passive control condition, a child and/or adolescent sample (7–17 years) with a primary anxiety diagnosis, and receiving anxiety-focused psychotherapy were eligible for inclusion if they reported suitable outcome data. Results from the meta-analysis indicated that from pre- to post-treatment, psychotherapy led to significant improvements in global functioning according to clinician (d = 1.55), parent (d = 0.67), and child (d = 0.31) reports and on social functioning according to parent (d = 0.51), but not child (d = 0.31) reports. The qualitative review provided preliminary support psychotherapy’s efficacy in increasing family functioning and school attendance, but not so much in enhancing academic performance. These results indicate that psychotherapy improves daily functioning in anxious children and adolescents. The study also highlighted the limited attention paid to measures of functioning in the empirical literature on treatment of childhood anxiety. Trial Registry: This study is registered with PROSPERO under the identification number CRD42021246565.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie J Dickson
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Rebecca-Lee Kuhnert
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Cassie H Lavell
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Ronald M Rapee
- Centre for Emotional Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
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26
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Etkin RG, Marin CE, Silverman WK, Lebowitz ER. Youth social functioning interacts with treatment arm, diagnosis, and gender to predict anxiety treatment outcome. Behav Res Ther 2022; 156:104160. [PMID: 35870327 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Research has uncovered a wide range of predictors of youth anxiety treatment outcome (i.e., symptom severity and diagnostic remission). Youth's social functioning is one predictor that has been rarely studied, however, which is a significant gap given its importance to development and clinical functioning. We address this gap by examining two aspects of youth's social functioning as predictors of anxiety treatment outcome: (1) positive social interactions and (2) social skills. We further examined the moderating roles of treatment arm (child- or parent-based treatment), diagnosis (presence or absence of social anxiety disorder), and youth gender, between each of the two predictors and treatment response and remission. Participants were 96 youths with anxiety disorders (6-16 years; 54% girls) and their mothers, who completed diagnostic interviews and questionnaires at baseline and posttreatment. Multiple regression models revealed that higher baseline parent-reports of their child's social skills predicted lower posttreatment anxiety symptom severity for youth with social anxiety disorder. Modified linear probability models revealed that baseline youth-reports of their social skills predicted remission from anxiety diagnoses for youths assigned to the parent-based treatment. Baseline youth-reports of their positive social interactions and parent-reports of youth social skills predicted remission from anxiety diagnoses for girls. Results contribute to the predictor literature by highlighting the importance of youth social functioning to anxiety treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca G Etkin
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 350 George St, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Carla E Marin
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 350 George St, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wendy K Silverman
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 350 George St, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Eli R Lebowitz
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 350 George St, New Haven, CT, USA
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27
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Mustaffa MS, Bafghi ZR, Ahmadi A, Haghdoost A, Mansor MS. Potential Sociodemographic Predictors of Childhood Anxiety Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study. JOURNAL OF INDIAN ASSOCIATION FOR CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/09731342221142047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of anxiety among primary school students in rural areas is relatively high. Also, this stage is a critical developmental stage of academic life. Childhood anxiety disorders lead to significant disruption and interference with other aspects of life, including behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and academic achievement. Aims: This study aimed to find the frequency of 6 subtypes of anxiety disorders and to determine the potential sociodemographic factors of anxiety disorders among primary school students in a rural area of Malaysia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 411 students answered the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale-Child version (SCAS-C). Descriptive analyses elucidated at-risk students, and multivariate analysis of variance and multiple linear regression presented potential predictors of anxiety disorders. Results: The most common abnormal level was for social phobia (SP) (n = 109/18.6%), and the least common were panic/agoraphobia (n = 85/14.1%) and physical injury fears (PIF) (n = 82/13.6%). Multivariate analysis of variance revealed that age ( P < .05), gender ( P < .05), father’s employment ( P < .05), and mother’s educational level (EL) P < .05) were predictors of overall anxiety. A Tukey post-hoc test revealed that older children are more likely to suffer from overall anxiety, separation anxiety (SA), SP, and obsessive-compulsive problems. Children of low-income families were less likely to suffer from SA than those of middle-income families. Children of stay-at-home mothers were less likely to suffer from overall anxiety, SA, and SP than mothers who worked more than 8 h per day. Multiple linear regression could predict 6 models of anxiety based on sociodemographic factors. Conclusion: According to our findings in this study, promoting mental health by providing preventive strategies and screening programs is more recommended for students with sociodemographic risk factors for anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Sharif Mustaffa
- Department of Counselling, Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development, University Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Zahra Ramazanian Bafghi
- Student Research Committee, Razi Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Atefeh Ahmadi
- Nursing Research Center, Department of Counselling in Midwifery, Razi Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - AliAkbar Haghdoost
- Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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28
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Online Support and Intervention (OSI) for child anxiety: a case series within routine clinical practice. Behav Cogn Psychother 2022; 50:429-445. [PMID: 35506631 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465822000157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online treatments for child anxiety offer a potentially cost-effective and non-stigmatizing means to widen access to evidence-based treatments and meet the increasing demand on services; however, uptake in routine clinical practice remains a challenge. This study conducted an initial evaluation of the clinical effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of OSI (Online Support and Intervention for child anxiety) within clinical practice. OSI is a co-designed online therapist-supported, parent-led CBT treatment for pre-adolescent children with anxiety problems. METHOD This case series was part of routine service evaluation in a clinic in England where families were offered OSI to treat a primary anxiety difficulty among 7- to 12-year-old children; 24 families were offered OSI, and 23 took it up. Measures of anxiety symptomatology, functional impairment and progress towards therapeutic goals were taken at pre-treatment, post-treatment and 4-week follow-up. Treatment satisfaction and engagement were also measured throughout the intervention. RESULTS Mean anxiety symptoms significantly improved to below the clinical cut-off post-treatment, with further reduction at follow-up. Functional impairment also significantly improved and significant progress was made towards treatment goals. The majority of children showed reliable change in anxiety symptoms and reliable recovery by follow-up, and were discharged without needing further treatment for anxiety. Uptake, adherence and engagement in OSI were excellent, and parents reported high levels of satisfaction with the treatment. CONCLUSIONS We have provided initial evidence that OSI is feasible, acceptable to families, and appears to be associated with good outcomes within routine clinical practice.
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29
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Salvaris CA, Galea S, Yap MBH, Lawrence KA. Enhanced Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Anxiety Disorders in Children of Clinically Anxious Parents: Two Case Studies. Clin Case Stud 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/15346501221078979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Children with anxiety disorders are significantly less likely to recover following cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) if they have a parent with clinical anxiety. Despite this, prior research which has adapted CBT treatments to cater for this vulnerable clinical cohort of children is limited. In response to the identified need to optimize treatment outcomes for this particular group of children with anxiety disorders, an enhanced CBT intervention was recently developed, specifically to target anxiety maintenance factors in clinically anxious child–parent dyads. This dual case study presents the implementation of the enhanced intervention with two children with complex clinical presentations. Prior to treatment, both children met criteria for multiple anxiety disorders, as did their mothers. The presented case studies describe session-by-session treatment accounts, with a particular focus on the children’s experiences of individual and joint-observational exposure treatment components. Outcome data is provided for both children and their mothers, based on assessment measures collected at pre- and post-treatment, and during the intervention. At post-treatment, both children demonstrated symptom reduction and improved functioning across all diagnoses, including remission on a secondary diagnosis, although both still met criteria for their primary diagnoses. Additionally, self-reported outcomes on intervention acceptability measures were favorable. Results implied that the enhanced intervention provided a viable alternative treatment approach for children and their parents with co-occurring anxiety disorders. Recommendations are provided for clinicians delivering CBT to clinically anxious child–parent dyads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe A. Salvaris
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Samantha Galea
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Marie B. H. Yap
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Katherine A. Lawrence
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Chronis-Tuscano A, Novick DR, Danko CM, Smith KA, Wagner NJ, Wang CH, Druskin L, Dougherty LR, Rubin KH. Early intervention for inhibited young children: a randomized controlled trial comparing the Turtle Program and Cool Little Kids. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 63:273-281. [PMID: 34184792 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children classified as behaviorally inhibited (BI) are at risk for social anxiety. Risk for anxiety is moderated by both parental behavior and social-emotional competence. Grounded in developmental-transactional theory, the Turtle Program involves both parent and child treatment components delivered within the peer context. Our pilot work demonstrated beneficial effects of the Turtle Program ('Turtle') over a waitlist control group. Herein, we report results of a rigorous randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing Turtle to the best available treatment for young children high in BI, Cool Little Kids (CLK). METHODS One hundred and fifty-one parents and their 3.5- to 5-year-old children selected on the basis of BI were randomly assigned to Turtle or CLK, delivered in group format over 8 weeks. Effects on child anxiety, life interference, BI, and observed parenting were examined at post-treatment and 1-year follow-up. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT02308826. RESULTS No significant main effect differences were found between Turtle and CLK on child anxiety; children in both programs evidenced significant improvements in BI, anxiety severity, family accommodation, and child impairment. However, Turtle yielded increased observed warm/engaged parenting and decreased observed negative control, compared with CLK. Parental social anxiety moderated effects; parents with higher anxiety demonstrated diminished improvements in child impairment, and parent accommodation in CLK, but not in Turtle. Children of parents with higher anxiety demonstrated more improvements in child BI in Turtle, but not in CLK. CONCLUSIONS Turtle and CLK are both effective early interventions for young children with BI. Turtle is more effective in improving parenting behaviors associated with the development and maintenance of child anxiety. Turtle also proved to be more effective than CLK for parents with social anxiety. Results suggest that Turtle should be recommended when parents have social anxiety; however, in the absence of parent anxiety, CLK may offer a more efficient treatment model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danielle R Novick
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Christina M Danko
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Kelly A Smith
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas J Wagner
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine H Wang
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lindsay Druskin
- Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Lea R Dougherty
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Kenneth H Rubin
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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31
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Whiteside SPH, Riemann BC, McCarthy DM. Using the Child Sheehan Disability Scale to Differentiate Severity Level in Youth With Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Assessment 2022; 30:998-1008. [PMID: 35187974 DOI: 10.1177/10731911221077232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The current study extends the psychometric support for the Child Sheehan Disability Scale (CSDS) as a measure of impairment associated with childhood anxiety disorders, including obsessive compulsive disorder. The CSDS was completed by 1,481 predominately Caucasian youth (55.4% female) ages 8 to 17 (M = 12.68, SD = 2.78) from primarily two-parent households and a parent across community, outpatient, intensive outpatient treatment, and residential settings. The results replicated and extended the previously found strong convergent validity, discriminant validity, and treatment sensitivity with a revised parent-report item in the larger sample. Moreover, the CSDS successfully differentiated between patients receiving treatment of different levels of intensity. These data were used to develop preliminary qualitative descriptors associating individual scores with a likely level of indicated treatment to enhance the clinical applicability of the CSDS. This study establishes the CSDS as one of the briefest and most rigorously evaluated measures of impairment associated with child anxiety. However, the performance of the CSDS must be examined in more representative samples before being applied to diverse populations.
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32
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Bertie LA, Hudson JL. CBT for Childhood Anxiety: Reviewing the State of Personalised Intervention Research. Front Psychol 2021; 12:722546. [PMID: 34899467 PMCID: PMC8663921 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.722546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This article presents a mini-review of the state of personalised intervention research in the field of child and adolescent anxiety. We evaluated narrative, systematic and meta-analytic reviews of key research methodologies and how they relate to current approaches for personalising CBT, specifically. Preliminary evidence of predictors (severity of primary disorder, social anxiety disorder (SoAD), comorbid depression, parental psychopathology, parental involvement and duration of treatment), moderators (type of primary disorder) and mediators (self-talk, coping, problem-solving and comorbid symptoms) of CBT outcomes provides content for several personalised approaches to treatment. Finally, we present a novel conceptual model depicting the state of personalised intervention research in childhood anxiety and propose a research agenda for continued progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizél-Antoinette Bertie
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Hudson
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Effects of Brief Interventions on Internalizing Symptoms and Substance Use in Youth: A Systematic Review. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2021; 25:339-355. [PMID: 34731373 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-021-00372-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Internalizing problems (e.g., depression, anxiety) and substance use are common among young people and often co-occur. However, youths face myriad barriers to access needed treatment, and existing evidence-based interventions tend to focus on internalizing problems or substance use, rather than both simultaneously. Brief interventions that target both problems may, therefore, be an efficient and accessible resource for alleviating youth difficulties; however, this possibility has been insufficiently evaluated. This systematic review evaluated the intervention characteristics and quality of six studies spanning 2015 to 2019 that examined intervention effects on internalizing and substance use outcomes. Based on independent calculations and author reports (respectively), 3-4 interventions significantly reduced youth internalizing symptoms; 3-5 reduced youth substance use; and 2-3 reduced symptoms in both domains. All six interventions identified substance use as a primary target. Four interventions were administered by interventionists to youths in inpatient, outpatient, primary care, or school settings. The remaining two studies delivered content through voicemail messages or an online design. Interventions ranged from ~ 15 to 240 min. Results highlight the sparsity and heterogeneity of youth-focused brief interventions that have evaluated program effects on both internalizing problems and substance use outcomes, suggesting a clear need for integrated supports that are also designed for accessibility. Future investigations of brief youth-focused interventions should assess program effects on both internalizing and substance use outcomes; examine mechanisms driving the varied efficacy of identified interventions; and create, refine, and test interventions with potential to address co-occurring internalizing problems and substance use in young people.
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34
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de Jong R, Lommen MJJ, Timmerman ME, van Hout WJPJ, Kuijpers RCWM, de Jong PJ, Nauta MH. Treating Speech Anxiety in Youth: A Randomized Controlled Microtrial Testing the Efficacy of Exposure Only Versus Exposure Combined With Anxiety Management Strategies. Behav Ther 2021; 52:1377-1394. [PMID: 34656193 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
CBT for anxious youth usually combines anxiety management strategies (AMS) with exposure, with exposure assumed to be critical for treatment success. To limit therapy time while retaining effectiveness, one might optimize CBT by restricting treatment to necessary components. This study tested whether devoting all sessions to exposure is more effective in reducing speech anxiety in youth than devoting half to AMS including cognitive or relaxation strategies and half to exposure. After a 6-week waitlist period, adolescents with speech anxiety (N = 65; age 12-15; 42 girls) were randomized to a 5-session in-school group-based CBT training consisting of either (1) exposure-only (EXP+EXP) or (2) cognitive strategies followed by exposure (COG+EXP) or (3) relaxation strategies followed by exposure (REL+EXP). Clinical interviews, speech tests, and self-report measures were assessed at pretest, posttest, and follow-up. For all conditions (a) the intervention period resulted in a stronger decline of speech anxiety than waitlist period; (b) there was a large sized reduction of speech anxiety that was maintained at six-week follow-up; (c) there was no meaningful difference in the efficacy of EXP+EXP versus COG+EXP or REL+EXP. These findings suggest that devoting all sessions to exposure is not more effective than combining exposure with AMS. AMS appeared neither necessary for CBT to be effective, nor necessary for youth to tolerate exposure. This indicates that CBT can be optimized by restricting treatment to exposure.
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Okawa S, Arai H, Nakamura H, Urao Y, Reardon T, Giles S, Shimizu E. Preliminary examination of reliability and validity of the Japanese child anxiety impact scale-parent version in Japanese community sample. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 42:1-10. [PMID: 34744404 PMCID: PMC8557261 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02437-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The child anxiety impact scale-parent version (CAIS-P) is a useful measure to assess the impact of anxiety on a child's daily life; however, a Japanese version of the CAIS-P has not been developed, and whether the CAIS-P can be utilized in Eastern countries remains unascertained. The purpose of this study was to develop a Japanese version of the CAIS-P and examine its reliability and validity. Parents of 400 children (aged 7 to 15 years) from the Japanese community completed the CAIS-P. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the factor structure of the original CAIS-P, consisting of school activity, social activity, and home/family activity factors, provided a good fit for the Japanese version of the CAIS-P. Estimated Spearman's correlation coefficients showed moderate correlations between the total and factor scores of the CAIS-P, anxiety symptoms (Spence Child Anxiety Scale-parent version), and depressive symptoms (Child Depression Inventory). Furthermore, the item response theory model revealed that each factor of the CAIS-P is a high information reliable measure for children with high trait anxiety. These results provide support for the Japanese version of the CAIS-P's factorial validity, convergent validity, and reliability and its potential for application in child anxiety research in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Okawa
- Faculty of Humanities, Wayo Women’s University, 2-3-1, Konodai, Ichikawa-shi, Chiba, 272-8533 Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8670 Japan
- Department of Cognitive Behavioral Physiology, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8670 Japan
| | - Honami Arai
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8670 Japan
- Center for Research on Counseling and Support Services, Tokyo University, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033 Japan
| | - Hideki Nakamura
- Department of Cognitive Behavioral Physiology, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8670 Japan
| | - Yuko Urao
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8670 Japan
| | - Tessa Reardon
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Anna Watts Building, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX UK
| | - Sophie Giles
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Anna Watts Building, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7JX UK
| | - Eiji Shimizu
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8670 Japan
- Department of Cognitive Behavioral Physiology, Chiba University, 1-8-1, Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8670 Japan
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Baker HJ, Lawrence PJ, Karalus J, Creswell C, Waite P. The Effectiveness of Psychological Therapies for Anxiety Disorders in Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2021; 24:765-782. [PMID: 34471966 PMCID: PMC8541960 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-021-00364-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are common in adolescence but outcomes for adolescents are unclear and we do not know what factors moderate treatment outcome for this age group. We conducted meta-analyses to establish the effectiveness of psychological therapies for adolescent anxiety disorders in (i) reducing anxiety disorder symptoms, and (ii) remission from the primary anxiety disorder, compared with controls, and examine potential moderators of treatment effects. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018091744). Electronic databases (Web of Science, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, EMBASE) were searched from January 1990 to December 2019. 2511 articles were reviewed, those meeting strict criteria were included. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted. Analyses of symptom severity outcomes comprised sixteen studies (CBT k = 15, non-CBT k = 1; n = 766 adolescents), and analyses of diagnostic remission outcomes comprised nine (CBT k = 9; n = 563 adolescents). Post-treatment, those receiving treatment were significantly more likely to experience reduced symptom severity (SMD = 0.454, 95% CI 0.22–0.69) and remission from the primary anxiety disorder than controls (RR = 7.94, 95% CI 3.19–12.7) (36% treatment vs. 9% controls in remission). None of the moderators analysed were statistically significant. Psychological therapies targeting anxiety disorders in adolescents are more effective than controls. However, with only just over a third in remission post-treatment, there is a clear need to develop more effective treatments for adolescents, evaluated through high-quality randomised controlled trials incorporating active controls and follow-up data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly J. Baker
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AL UK
| | - Peter J. Lawrence
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ UK
| | - Jessica Karalus
- Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust, Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service, St Charles Hospital, Exmoor Street, London, W10 6DZ UK
| | - Cathy Creswell
- Radcliffe Observatory, University of Oxford, Anna Watts Building, Woodstock Rd, Oxford, OX2 6GG UK
| | - Polly Waite
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AL UK
- Radcliffe Observatory, University of Oxford, Anna Watts Building, Woodstock Rd, Oxford, OX2 6GG UK
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Klein AM, Liber JM, van Lang NDJ, Reichart C, Nauta M, van Widenfelt BM, Utens EMWJ. The Role of Social Skills in Predicting Treatment-Recovery in Children with a Social Anxiety Disorder. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 49:1461-1472. [PMID: 34165687 PMCID: PMC8455491 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-021-00824-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The current study investigated the role of social skills and its interaction with social anxiety as predictors of treatment outcome in children with an anxiety disorder either with or without a social anxiety disorder (SoAD). In total, 133 children (aged 8 to 13) with an anxiety disorder received a 10-session cognitive behavioral treatment (FRIENDS program). Pre- to post treatment Reliable Change (RC) and Treatment-Recovery (TR) were assessed from a multi-informant perspective, by including diagnostic information (ADIS C/P), child-reported anxiety symptoms (MASC) and parent-reported internalizing symptoms (CBCL-Int). Social skills were assessed with the parent-rated Social Skills Rating System (assertion, self-control, responsibility). Results showed that 1) parents of children with a SoAD reported significantly less favorable use of assertive and responsible social behavior in their children pre-treatment than parents of children without SoAD, 2) children with higher social skills had a better treatment recovery, and 3) children with anxiety and higher responsible behavior pre-treatment and without a SoAD had a better treatment recovery, but this effect did not show for children with SoAD. In conclusion, better use of social behavior increased the likelihood of treatment recovery but not of reliable change. Further studies on the role of social skills in the treatment of childhood (social) anxiety are needed to investigate the mechanisms by which social skills impact treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke M Klein
- Developmental and Educational Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Juliette M Liber
- Developmental Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Catrien Reichart
- Curium, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike Nauta
- Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Elisabeth M W J Utens
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Academic Center for Child Psychiatry the Bascule/AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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38
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip C. Kendall
- Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders Clinic, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Lesley A. Norris
- Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders Clinic, Temple University, Philadelphia
| | - Margaret E. Crane
- Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders Clinic, Temple University, Philadelphia
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Etkin RG, Lebowitz ER, Silverman WK. Using Evaluative Criteria to Review Youth Anxiety Measures, Part II: Parent-Report. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 50:155-176. [PMID: 33739908 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2021.1878898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This Evidence Base Update of parent-report measures of youth anxiety symptoms is a companion piece to our update on youth self-report anxiety symptom measures (Etkin et al., 2021). We rate the psychometric properties of the parent-report measures as Adequate, Good, or Excellent using criteria developed by Hunsley and Mash (2008) and Youngstrom et al. (2017). Our review reveals that the evidence base for parent-report measures is considerably less developed compared with the evidence base for youth self-report measures. Nevertheless, several measures, the parent-report Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders, Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children, and Spence Children's Anxiety Scale, were found to have Good to Excellent psychometric properties. We conclude our review with suggestions about which parent-report youth anxiety measures are best suited to perform different assessment functions and directions for additional research to expand and strengthen the evidence base.
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Luby JL. Editorial: Standardizing methods and measures in randomized controlled trials: a necessary catalyst for clinical translation. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2021; 62:253-254. [PMID: 33630319 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The pressing need for more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of treatments for childhood mental disorders has been emphasized by researchers and clinicians as well as in recent commentaries in JCPP (e.g. Stringaris, 2014). Despite the significant increase in research on aetiology, course and antecedents of developmental psychopathology more generally, and the numerous important discoveries that have been made in this domain in the last two decades, the translation of these findings into clinical practice has lagged behind (Insel and Gotay, 2014). Currently, based on limitations in the extant literature, treatment decisions by child mental health clinicians are still made largely based on personal anecdotal experience. Consistent with this, wide variation in prescribing practices have been found by region internationally (Steinhausen, 2015). When it comes to psychotherapeutic interventions, these clinical strategies are often driven by the limited availability of empirically supported treatments in any given community. In the case of psychopharmacologic treatments, while some clinical guidelines are now available, much more definitive data are needed to inform indications, optimal dosing and duration of treatment, uses of polypharmacy, as well as more nuanced information about differential developmental effects. Therefore, a significant gap still exists between clinical practice and the empirical database in the treatment of child mental disorders. Further, the available database is also limited by small sample sizes and mixed findings, making it much less straightforward to coherently guide clinical treatment of childhood psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan L Luby
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Etkin RG, Shimshoni Y, Lebowitz ER, Silverman WK. Using Evaluative Criteria to Review Youth Anxiety Measures, Part I: Self-Report. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2021; 50:58-76. [PMID: 32915074 PMCID: PMC7914129 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2020.1802736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Evidence-based assessment serves several critical functions in clinical child psychological science, including being a foundation for evidence-based treatment delivery. In this Evidence Base Update, we provide an evaluative review of the most widely used youth self-report measures assessing anxiety and its disorders. Guided by a set of evaluative criteria (De Los Reyes & Langer, 2018), we rate the measures as Excellent, Good, or Adequate across their psychometric properties (e.g., construct validity). For the eight measures evaluated, most ratings assigned were Good followed by Excellent, and the minority of ratings were Adequate. We view these results overall as positive and encouraging, as they show that these youth anxiety self-report measures can be used with relatively high confidence to accomplish key assessment functions. Recommendations and future directions for further advancements to the evidence base are discussed.
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42
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James AC, Reardon T, Soler A, James G, Creswell C. Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 11:CD013162. [PMID: 33196111 PMCID: PMC8092480 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013162.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous Cochrane Reviews have shown that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective in treating childhood anxiety disorders. However, questions remain regarding the following: up-to-date evidence of the relative efficacy and acceptability of CBT compared to waiting lists/no treatment, treatment as usual, attention controls, and alternative treatments; benefits across a range of outcomes; longer-term effects; outcomes for different delivery formats; and amongst children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and children with intellectual impairments. OBJECTIVES To examine the effect of CBT for childhood anxiety disorders, in comparison with waitlist/no treatment, treatment as usual (TAU), attention control, alternative treatment, and medication. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Controlled Trials Register (all years to 2016), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO (each to October 2019), international trial registries, and conducted grey literature searches. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials of CBT that involved direct contact with the child, parent, or both, and included non-CBT comparators (waitlist/no treatment, treatment as usual, attention control, alternative treatment, medication). Participants were younger than age 19, and met diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder diagnosis. Primary outcomes were remission of primary anxiety diagnosis post-treatment, and acceptability (number of participants lost to post-treatment assessment), and secondary outcomes included remission of all anxiety diagnoses, reduction in anxiety symptoms, reduction in depressive symptoms, improvement in global functioning, adverse effects, and longer-term effects. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures as recommended by Cochrane. We used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS We included 87 studies and 5964 participants in quantitative analyses. Compared with waitlist/no treatment, CBT probably increases post-treatment remission of primary anxiety diagnoses (CBT: 49.4%, waitlist/no treatment: 17.8%; OR 5.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.90 to 7.60; n = 2697, 39 studies, moderate quality); NNTB 3 (95% CI 2.25 to 3.57) and all anxiety diagnoses (OR 4.43, 95% CI 2.89 to 6.78; n = 2075, 28 studies, moderate quality). Low-quality evidence did not show a difference between CBT and TAU in post-treatment primary anxiety disorder remission (OR 3.19, 95% CI 0.90 to 11.29; n = 487, 8 studies), but did suggest CBT may increase remission from all anxiety disorders compared to TAU (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.16 to 6.46; n = 203, 5 studies). Compared with attention control, CBT may increase post-treatment remission of primary anxiety disorders (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.33 to 3.89; n = 822, 10 studies, low quality) and all anxiety disorders (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.22 to 6.17; n = 378, 5 studies, low quality). There was insufficient available data to compare CBT to alternative treatments on post-treatment remission of primary anxiety disorders, and low-quality evidence showed there may be little to no difference between these groups on post-treatment remission of all anxiety disorders (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.35 to 2.23; n = 401, 4 studies) Low-quality evidence did not show a difference for acceptability between CBT and waitlist/no treatment (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.41; n=3158, 45 studies), treatment as usual (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.73 to 2.56; n = 441, 8 studies), attention control (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.49; n = 797, 12 studies) and alternative treatment (OR 1.58, 95% CI 0.61 to 4.13; n=515, 7 studies). No adverse effects were reported across all studies; however, in the small number of studies where any reference was made to adverse effects, it was not clear that these were systematically monitored. Results from the anxiety symptom outcomes, broader outcomes, longer-term outcomes and subgroup analyses are provided in the text. We did not find evidence of consistent differences in outcomes according to delivery formats (e.g. individual versus group; amount of therapist contact time) or amongst samples with and without ASD, and no studies included samples of children with intellectual impairments. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS CBT is probably more effective in the short-term than waiting lists/no treatment, and may be more effective than attention control. We found little to no evidence across outcomes that CBT is superior to usual care or alternative treatments, but our confidence in these findings are limited due to concerns about the amount and quality of available evidence, and we still know little about how best to efficiently improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony C James
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Highfield Unit, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Tessa Reardon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | | | | | - Cathy Creswell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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Norris LA, Kendall PC. Moderators of Outcome for Youth Anxiety Treatments: Current Findings and Future Directions. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 50:450-463. [PMID: 33140992 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2020.1833337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To improve outcomes and create more personalized interventions, the field has sought to identify moderators of treatment response (variables that specify which treatments work for whom and under what conditions).Method: The current review examines moderators of youth anxiety treatments.Results: The majority of studies to date have examined variables of convenience, including demographics (age, sex, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status), pretreatment youth clinical characteristics (anxiety severity, principal diagnosis, comorbidity) and pretreatment parent variables (parent psychopathology, parenting). Findings indicate few consistent moderators.Conclusions: Future directions are discussed, including (a) group to individual generalizability, (b) power considerations, and (c) updates to study design and measure selection.
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Campagnaro R, Collet GDO, Andrade MPD, Salles JPDSL, Calvo Fracasso MDL, Scheffel DLS, Freitas KMS, Santin GC. COVID-19 pandemic and pediatric dentistry: Fear, eating habits and parent's oral health perceptions. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2020; 118:105469. [PMID: 32952248 PMCID: PMC7490252 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe measures have been implemented around the world to reduce COVID-19 spread with a significant impact on family dynamics. AIM To assess the impact of the pandemic on fear, dietary choices and oral health perceptions of parents. DESIGN questionnaire containing 19 questions was remotely applied to 1003 parents of children aged 0-12 years. The questions addressed topics regarding changes in daily routine, dietary habits, fear level, oral health, and variation of income during the pandemic. Data analysis included the description of the relative and absolute frequencies of the variables. Association tests were performed using Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS 73% of respondents reported income loss. Five hundred sixty-eight people denied seeking medical or dental care. 61.5% of respondents revealed changes in the dietary pattern; most of them mentioned an increase in food intake. Most parents (66.6%) would only seek urgent dental care. There was an association between parents' willingness to take their children to dental appointments with the fear level (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Most families have experienced changes in daily routine and eating habits during the pandemic. Parents fear COVID-19 and it impacts their behavior regarding seeking dental care for their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Campagnaro
- Department of Orthodontics, Ingá University Center Uningá, Maringá, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gabriela Cristina Santin
- Department of Orthodontics, Ingá University Center Uningá, Maringá, Brazil
- Department of Dentistry, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
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