Cognitive–behavioral treatment of anxiety disorders in children: Long-term (6-year) follow-up.

TLDR

The study assessed the long‑term effectiveness of CBT for childhood anxiety disorders. Fifty‑two participants, aged 14–21, were reassessed about 6 years after completing CBT using diagnostic interviews, clinician ratings, and self‑ and parent‑report measures. At 6‑year follow‑up, 85.7 % of participants no longer met criteria for any anxiety disorder, gains on other measures were maintained, and CBT and CBT plus family management showed equivalent long‑term effectiveness, supporting CBT’s sustained clinical utility.

Abstract

Authors evaluated the long-term effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for childhood anxiety disorders. Fifty-two clients (aged 14 to 21 years) who had completed treatment an average of 6.17 years earlier were reassessed using diagnostic interviews, clinician ratings, and self- and parent-report measures. Results indicated that 85.7% no longer fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for any anxiety disorder. On a majority of other measures, gains made at 12-month follow-up were maintained. Furthermore, CBT and CBT plus family management were equally effective at long-term follow-up. These findings support the long-term clinical utility of CBT in treating children and adolescents suffering from anxiety disorders.