Effectiveness Study of CBT for Anxiety in Children

Assessment and Treatment - Anxiety in Children and Adults (Child Part)

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive behaviour therapy program (FRIENDS) for anxiety disorders in children aged 8-15 years who have been referred to child and adolescent mental health clinics in Western Norway.

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has been shown to be an efficacious treatment for anxiety disorders in youths when delivered in university settings. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating the effectiveness of CBT in regular clinical settings.

The current study will compare a CBT program developed for anxiety in youths (the FRIENDS program by Paula Barrett, Australia), with a wait-list control condition. Group and individual treatment will also be compared in the study. Groups will be divided by age, with younger including 8-12-year-olds, and older 12-15-year-olds. Parents are also involved at the end of all therapy sessions, as well as in separate parent sessions. Assessment and treatment is delivered by clinicians working in seven outpatient clinics in Western Norway.

There will be 10 therapy sessions, with booster sessions 4 and 12 weeks later. Effectiveness will be evaluated post-treatment, and at 1 and 5 years follow-up. The study will have a randomized design. Children randomized to the wait-list condition will be offered treatment if they still meet inclusion criteria after the waiting period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Meeting DSM-IV criteria for separation anxiety, social anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder based on the ADIS interview schedule

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pervasive developmental disorders, Selective mutism, Mental retardation
• Having severe obsessional/compulsive, conduct or language problems.