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Evaluating a cognitive behavioral therapy group program for anxious five to seven year old children: a pilot study.
Suneeta Monga1, Arlene Young, Mary Owens
1Anxiety Disorders Program, Division of Child Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Depression and Anxiety
|February 13, 2009
Summary
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) effectively treats anxiety in young children aged 5-7. This pilot study shows significant anxiety symptom reduction in children after attending a 12-week CBT group program.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for older anxious children and adolescents.
- No established CBT programs exist for children under eight.
- This study piloted a novel CBT program for anxious children aged 5-7.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the efficacy of a novel CBT treatment program for anxiety disorders in children aged 5-7 years.
- To assess the feasibility of adapting CBT strategies for this younger age group.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week manualized CBT group program was administered to 32 children (aged 5-7) with anxiety disorders.
- Parent and child groups ran concurrently.
- Anxiety was measured using standardized assessments (SCARED, ADIS-IV, CGAS) pre- and post-treatment. A subset underwent a waitlist control period.
Main Results:
- 43.8% of children no longer met criteria for any anxiety disorder post-treatment.
- 71.9% experienced resolution of at least one anxiety disorder.
- Significant reductions in anxiety symptoms were observed, with no change during the waitlist period.
Conclusions:
- CBT is effective for treating anxiety disorders in children as young as 5 years old.
- The findings support the adaptation of CBT for early childhood anxiety.
- Further research is recommended to validate these results.
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