Group and Individual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Childhood Anxiety Disorders: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

To compare the efficacy of group and individual cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in children with Axis I anxiety disorders. It was hypothesized that certain subgroups would respond preferentially to one modality. Seventy-eight children aged 8-12 years with diagnosed anxiety disorders were randomly assigned to a 12-week, manual-based program of group or individual CBT, both with parental involvement. Outcomes included child anxiety (child and parent report) and global functioning as estimated by clinicians. Repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were done. The sample was then dichotomized by self-reported social anxiety (high/low) and parent-reported hyperactivity (high/low) using median splits, and diagnostically by generalized anxiety disorder versus phobic disorders. ANOVAs were repeated. Children and parents reported significantly decreased anxiety and clinicians reported significantly improved global functioning regardless of treatment modality. Children reporting high social anxiety reported greater gains in individual treatment than in group treatment (p <.01). Parent reports of hyperactivity and diagnostic differences were not associated with differential treatment response by modality. Children with anxiety disorders appear to improve with CBT, whether administered in a group or individual format. A subgroup of children reporting high social anxiety may respond preferentially to individual treatment. Replication of these findings is indicated.