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Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood

Published on: February 11, 2017

The effectiveness of CBT in 3-7 year old anxious children: preliminary data

Klaus Minde1, Jason Roy, Rhona Bezonsky

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec. klaus.minde@mcgill.ca

Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry = Journal De L'Academie Canadienne De Psychiatrie De L'Enfant Et De L'Adolescent
|May 15, 2010
PubMed

Insights

A modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with parent involvement effectively treated anxiety in young children under 8 years old. This pilot study shows promising results for early intervention in preschool and early school-aged children.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for older children but not validated in those younger than 8.
  • Anxiety disorders in young children require effective, empirically supported treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy of a modified CBT in children younger than 8 years.
  • To establish feasibility and acceptability of the intervention in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • An open pilot trial involving 37 anxious children aged 37-89 months.
  • Independent evaluators assessed symptom severity and functioning pre- and post-treatment.
  • Parents actively participated in treatment sessions.

Main Results:

  • Significant improvements in anxiety symptoms and functioning were observed post-treatment.
  • The intervention demonstrated high feasibility and acceptability.
  • Average improvement occurred after 8.3 treatment sessions.

Conclusions:

  • Modified CBT with active parent involvement is a potentially useful treatment for anxiety in young children.
  • This approach may be beneficial for preschool and early school-aged children.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these findings in larger trials.
Abstract

Keywords:
CBTanxietypreschool

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