Long-term effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for youth with anxiety disorders

• Published in: Journal of anxiety disorders Vol. 53; pp. 58 - 67
• Main Authors: Kodal, Arne, Fjermestad, Krister, Bjelland, Ingvar, Gjestad, Rolf, Öst, Lars-Göran, Bjaastad, Jon F., Haugland, Bente S.M., Havik, Odd E., Heiervang, Einar, Wergeland, Gro Janne
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01-01-2018; Pergamon
• Subjects: Anxiety disorders; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Community clinic; Long-term follow-up; Psychology; psykologi; Youth; Youth; Long-term follow-up; Anxiety disorders; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Community clinic
• ISSN: 0887-6185; 1873-7897; 1873-7897
• DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2017.11.003

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has demonstrated favorable long-term outcomes in youth with anxiety disorders in efficacy trials. However, long-term outcomes of CBT delivered in a community setting are uncertain. This study examined the long-term outcomes of individual (ICBT) and group CBT (GCBT) in youth with anxiety disorders treated in community mental health clinics. A total of 139 youth (mean age at assessment 15.5 years, range 11–21 years) with a principal diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder (SAD), social anxiety disorder (SOP), and/or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) were evaluated, on average, 3.9 years post-treatment (range 2.2–5.9 years). Outcomes included loss of all inclusion anxiety diagnoses, loss of the principal anxiety diagnosis and changes in youth- and parent-rated youth anxiety symptoms. At long-term follow-up, there was loss of all inclusion anxiety diagnoses in 53%, loss of the principal anxiety diagnosis in 63% of participants as well as significant reductions in all anxiety symptom measures. No statistical significant differences in outcome were obtained between ICBT and GCBT. Participants with a principal diagnosis of SOP had lower odds for recovery, compared to those with a principal diagnosis of SAD or GAD. In conclusion, outcomes of CBT for youth anxiety disorders delivered in community mental health clinics were improved at nearly 4 years post-treatment, and recovery rates at long-term follow-up were similar to efficacy trials.