Developing and Testing an Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Children and Teens with Anxiety Disorders

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are developing and evaluating a new internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy ICBT program aimed at children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 years who have anxiety disorders. This study focuses on improving treatment for anxiety through a therapist-guided online program and assessing its preliminary effects on reducing anxiety severity. The study also explores participant experiences and factors that might influence treatment results, with the goal of refining the intervention for future use. The treatment involves a 12-week ICBT program accessed through a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The program is tailored into two versions based on age groups 8-12 and 13-17 years and includes 12 modules for both the child or adolescent and their caregiver. Throughout the treatment, both the youth and caregiver communicate with a trained therapist via text, phone calls, and scheduled video or phone sessions to receive feedback and support. Participants will complete questionnaires at multiple points at the start, during treatment, immediately after, and three months later. Some will also join focus group interviews to provide feedback on improving the program. The study measures anxiety levels using tools like the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale PARS and collects information on mood, well-being, therapy experiences, and any side effects. This comprehensive monitoring helps assess the programs impact and safety over the course of the study and follow-up.

Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Youths With Anxiety Disorders