Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2023 Jul;32(3):543-558. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2022.12.001. Epub 2023 Feb 27.

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are the most common class of psychiatric conditions among children and adolescents. The cognitive behavioral model of childhood anxiety has a strong theoretic and empirical foundation that provides the basis for effective treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with an emphasis on exposure therapy, is the gold standard treatment for childhood anxiety disorders, with strong empirical support. A case vignette demonstrating CBT for childhood anxiety disorders in practice, as well as recommendations for clinicians, are also provided.

Keywords: Adolescents; Anxiety disorders; CBT; Case vignette; Children; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Exposure.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anxiety Disorders / therapy
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome