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Cognitive Therapy and Research
Published in: Cognitive Therapy and Research 6/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Behavioural Therapy | Original Article

GAD-Specific Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Children and Adolescents: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors: Sean Perrin, Denise Bevan, Susanna Payne, Derek Bolton

Published in: Cognitive Therapy and Research | Issue 6/2019

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Abstract

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) designed to target generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in youth was examined in a pilot feasibility trial. Participants (aged 10–18 years) were randomized to either 10 weeks of individual CBT (n = 20) or supported wait-list (n = 20). Diagnostic status (primary outcome) was assessed blindly at post-treatment for both groups, and at a 3-month follow-up for treated participants. Two participants failed to complete CBT and retained their GAD during the trial. Intention-to-treat analyses revealed large between-group differences in favor of CBT at post-treatment for remission from GAD (80% vs 0%) and comorbid disorders (83% vs 0%), and for all secondary outcomes (child and parent-reported). All gains were maintained at 3-month follow-up in the CBT group. Consistent with the treatment model, significant pre- to post-treatment reductions in several cognitive processes were found for CBT but not wait-listed participants, with these gains maintained at follow-up. Further investigations are warranted. Trial registry: ISRCTN.com Identifier ISRCTN50951795
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Metadata
Title
GAD-Specific Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Children and Adolescents: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors
Sean Perrin
Denise Bevan
Susanna Payne
Derek Bolton
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Cognitive Therapy and Research / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 0147-5916
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2819
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-019-10020-3

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