Effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment in Children with Anxiety Disorder: A Preliminary Study

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate preliminarily the clinical effects of cognitive-behavioral treatment in children with anxiety disorders. METHODS: Subjects were 11 children between 2nd and 6th grade with anxiety disorder. All subjects were diagnosed through Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) interview. The CBT program consisted of sessions once a week (60min/session) for 14 weeks with parent education. RESULTS: Children and parents reported significantly improved social skills, social competence and decreased anxiety. However, there were no significant changes in children's negative thoughts and subjective depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Cognitive-behavioral treatment is expected to be effective in children with anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, phobia, separation anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.