A randomized controlled trial of internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for adolescent anxiety disorders in a routine clinical care setting with and without parent sessions.

Abstract

Computerized treatments have been shown to be effective in young people with anxiety disorders within research settings. The aims of this study were to evaluate a self-completed, therapist-supported online treatment for adolescent anxiety disorders in a routine clinical care setting and examine whether additional sessions for parents improved treatment outcome. Sixty adolescents (13-18years) referred by primary and secondary care services for treatment of an anxiety disorder and their parent(s) were randomly allocated to begin treatment immediately or after a 16-week waitlist. Half the parents (receiving treatment immediately or after a waitlist) were allocated to receive sessions themselves. Assessments were conducted pre- and posttreatment and at 6-month follow-up. There was no significant difference posttreatment between the immediate treatment and waitlist groups in remission of primary anxiety disorder (Odds Ratio (OR)=2.19, 95% CI: 0.72-6.70). Parent sessions did not significantly improve adolescent outcomes immediately or at 6-month follow-up (OR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.26-2.15; OR=1.14, 95% CI: 0.42-3.15). Within a routine clinical care setting, a therapist-supported online treatment failed to deliver significantly better outcomes for adolescents with anxiety disorders than a waitlist. Further research is needed to develop more effective treatments for this population.