Review of Evidence

Abstract

Abstract This chapter reviews the empirical support for exposure in the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders and obsessive–compulsive disorder. The research examining the treatment of anxiety in children often combines multiple diagnoses (i.e., transdiagnostic) and/or multiple treatment components. As such, the chapter begins with a review of the large literature base supporting cognitive–behavioral therapy for childhood anxiety disorders and then focuses on the smaller literatures examining specific diagnoses and the use of exposure per se. The chapter also reviews the outcome literature for other components of treatment to help readers evaluate the empirical support for exposure relative to these other components. Finally, the research pertaining to developmental and contextual factors that are unique to children is discussed.