Online cognitive behavior therapy for adolescents with excessive worry: a multiple baseline design feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Adolescent Mental Health
• Digital Therapeutics

Background:

• Excessive worry affects 5% of adolescents, with limited access to evidence-based therapies.
• Online interventions offer a scalable solution to bridge this treatment gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a scalable, online cognitive-behavioral intervention (BIP worry) for adolescents with excessive worry.
• To assess treatment completion, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes including worry severity, anxiety, and general functioning.

Main Methods:

• A multiple baseline evaluation involving 13 adolescents (ages 13-17) with excessive worry.
• Randomized baseline phases (2, 6, or 10 weeks) followed by a 10-week online intervention (BIP worry) for adolescents and parents.
• Weekly assessments of worry severity, with pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 1- and 3-month follow-up evaluations for broader outcomes.

Main Results:

• High treatment adherence (9.8/10 modules) and satisfaction were reported, with no serious adverse events.
• Significant improvements in worry, anxiety, and general functioning were observed from pre- to post-treatment, maintained at 3-month follow-up.
• Symptom reduction during treatment was significantly greater than during the baseline phase, suggesting intervention efficacy for some participants.

Conclusions:

• BIP worry is a feasible and potentially effective online treatment for adolescent excessive worry.
• The intervention's scalability and low therapist contact make it a cost-effective option.
• Further research via randomized controlled trials is recommended to confirm efficacy.