Internet-Delivered Psychological Treatment for Parents With Health Anxiety by Proxy: Replicated Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Child Psychology

Background:

• Health anxiety by proxy involves parental distress over a child's severe illness, leading to excessive medical consultations and symptom checking.
• This condition may risk transmitting maladaptive coping and anxiety from parent to child.
• No targeted treatments for health anxiety by proxy have been previously evaluated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of an internet-delivered psychological treatment called PROXY for parents experiencing health anxiety by proxy.

Main Methods:

• A replicated randomized single-case experimental design was used with 4 participants.
• Participants underwent an 8-week internet-delivered treatment (cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy) after a baseline period.
• Primary outcomes (anxiety, impact of anxiety, value-based actions) were measured daily via text message and analyzed using visual and statistical methods.

Main Results:

• The PROXY treatment was effective for 2 out of 4 participants, showing preferable changes in primary outcomes.
• Treatment effect was questionable for the other 2 participants, though one showed a decrease in anxiety impact.
• All participants were satisfied with the treatment, but 2 reported a worsening of their own health anxiety.

Conclusions:

• The internet-delivered PROXY treatment shows promise for parents with health anxiety by proxy.
• Further research is necessary to determine optimal treatment duration, management of comorbidities, and to replicate findings in larger cohorts.