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Treating Comorbid Anxiety in Adolescents With ADHD Using a Cognitive Behavior Therapy Program Approach
Stephen Houghton1,2, Nadiyah Alsalmi1, Carol Tan3
11 The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
Journal of Attention Disorders
|February 6, 2013
Summary
This study shows that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) effectively reduces anxiety in adolescents with ADHD. The 8-week treatment improved various anxiety symptoms, demonstrating its therapeutic value.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) frequently co-occurs with anxiety disorders in adolescents.
- Comorbid anxiety can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and impair treatment outcomes.
- Targeted interventions are needed to address anxiety in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an 8-week cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) program tailored for adolescents with ADHD and comorbid anxiety.
- To assess the efficacy of CBT in reducing anxiety levels and symptoms in this specific demographic.
Main Methods:
- A multiple baseline design was employed with nine adolescent participants (ages 13-16).
- Participants received weekly CBT sessions focusing on anxiety-provoking situations.
- Anxiety was measured using self-recorded levels and the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC) during baseline, intervention, and maintenance phases.
Main Results:
- Paired samples t tests indicated significant success of the CBT intervention.
- Interrupted time-series analysis showed varied participant success rates across targeted anxiety situations.
- The MASC revealed significant reductions in physical anxiety symptoms, social anxiety, separation anxiety, harm avoidance, and overall anxiety.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the effectiveness of the developed CBT program for treating comorbid anxiety in adolescents with ADHD.
- This CBT approach offers a promising therapeutic option for managing anxiety in this clinical population.
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