Psychotherapy of childhood anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis

Forfatter(e)

In-Albon, T. Schneider, S.

År

2007

DOI

10.1159/000096361

Tidsskrift

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics

Sider

15-24

Kategori(er)

Angst og engstelighet (inkl. både vansker og lidelse)

Tiltakstype(r)

FamilieterapiKognitiv atferdsterapi, atferdsterapi og kognitiv terapi

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The present study compared the efficacy of psychotherapy for childhood anxiety disorders (excluding trials solely treating post-traumatic stress disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder).

METHODS: The meta-analysis included studies that met the basic CONSORT (consolidated standards of reporting trials) criteria. Several outcome variables (e.g. effect sizes, percentage of recovery) were analyzed using completer and intent-to-treat analyses during post-treatment and follow-up assessment. Twenty-four studies published by March 2005 were included in this meta-analysis.

RESULTS: In all the included studies, the active treatment condition was cognitive-behavioral. The overall mean effect of treatment was 0.86. No differences in outcome were found between individual and group treatments or child- and family-focused treatments. Follow-up data demonstrated that treatment gains were maintained up to several years after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide evidence that anxiety disorders in children can be treated efficaciously. The gathered data support the clinical utility of cognitive-behavioral therapy in this regard. Randomized controlled trial studies investigating treatments other than cognitive-behavioral therapy are missing.