Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders in Youth: Efficacy, Moderators, and New Advances in Predicting Outcomes

Abstract

Purpose of ReviewThis review integrates recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. To inform personalized approaches to intervention, we also review recent research on moderators and predictors of outcomes. Recent Findings Meta-analyses provide strong support for the efficacy of CBT for youth anxiety disorders, including with preschool-aged children using appropriate modifications. Furthermore, there is evidence that CBT is an effective adjunct treatment to psychopharmacological interventions, and the combination of treatments may be most effective for some youth. There is limited evidence of consistent demographic and clinical moderators of outcomes. Recent work in neuroscience has highlighted novel predictors of treatment outcomes that, with replication, may aid in more personalized approaches to youth anxiety treatment. Summary CBT is efficacious for treating anxiety disorders in youth and lowering recurrence rates. CBT can also be an efficacious adjunct treatment for psychopharmacological interventions. Neuroimaging and psychophysiological measures of threat and motivational processing have shown initial promise in predicting symptom change with CBT, with potential implications for precision medicine.

The Effectiveness of Giving Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Therapy on Adolescents' Social Anxiety Levels

“…(Denecke et al, 2022). This therapy is a gold standard in dealing with anxiety problems in adolescents (Pegg et al, 2022).CBT given to adolescents who experience social anxiety aims to build skills to reduce and overcome social anxiety and train new skills in dealing with social anxiety. CBT can provide cognitive and behavioral changes for adolescents who experience social anxiety.…”

Technology-Mediated Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…CBT works well for treating anxiety and mood disorders, teaching stress and anger management, and improving interpersonal skills [6]. CBT generally consists of 12 to 18 1-h sessions and focuses on identifying and changing problematic thinking and behavioral patterns that maintain the youth's presenting symptomatology [11]. CBT combines two different approaches: cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy, to help change maladaptive thoughts and behaviors.…”

Web‐based intervention for young adults experiencing anxiety and hazardous alcohol use: Study protocol for an 18‐month randomized controlled trial

“…While traditional face-to-face methods for addressing alcohol use and anxiety among young adults have shown some effectiveness for each condition in isolation [29][30][31], their usefulness is constrained by limitations in cost-effectiveness and accessibility (e.g. time and location).…”