Exploring the effect of case formulation driven CBT for children with anxiety disorders: a feasibility study.
BACKGROUND
Little is known about the effect of case-formulation based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for anxious children.


OBJECTIVE
The present study explores the feasibility of case-formulation driven CBT for anxious children. Parents were involved in treatment as either co-facilitators (involved only as the child's assistants, treatment being primarily directed at the child), or as co-clients (parents received therapy targeting theoretically established maintaining mechanisms; children received half of the sessions, parents the other half).


METHODS
Feasibility of the case-formulation driven CBT was established by comparing the completion rate and the percentage of children free of anxiety after treatment, with manualized treatments reported in existing meta-analyses. Children aged 7-12 years and their parents participated (n = 54). Families were assessed at pre- and posttreatment and at 6-month follow-up.


RESULTS
All families completed treatment and the percentage of recovery in the case-formulation driven approach was comparable to results obtained in manualized treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings from this stage I study supports the notion that a case-formulation driven approach to CBT may be a feasible option when selecting treatment for anxious children; however, further studies must be conducted before firm conclusions can be drawn.
University of Copenhagen,Denmark.
Barbara H
BH
Esbjørn
University of Copenhagen,Denmark.
Marie Louise
ML
Reinholdt-Dunne
University of Copenhagen,Denmark.
Sara K
SK
Nielsen
University of Copenhagen,Denmark.
Abigael C
AC
Smith
University of Copenhagen,Denmark.
Sonja
S
Breinholst
University of Copenhagen,Denmark.
Ingrid
I
Leth
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
CBT; Childhood anxiety; case formulation; clinical trial; parent training