Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Combined with an Interpersonal Skills Component in the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in Adolescent Females: A Case Series.

Abstract

The present study describes the outcomes of a manualised treatment for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) in female adolescents that combined traditional cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with an interpersonal skills (IP) cojponent. The CBT component included psychoeducation, somatic management, cognitive restructuring, exposed therapy and problem-solving. The IP component targeted interpersonal avoidance, passive and aggressive interpersonal styles, and co-rumination. Four female adolescents with a principal diagnosis of GAD participated in 10 weekly 1-hour sessions. Adolescent - and parent-report diagnostic interviews and questionnaires were completed at pre-, mid-, and post treatment, and at 3 months follow-up. Reductions in GAD and depressive symptoms and improvements in interpersonal functioning for all participants on both adolescent and parent-report measures suggest that the combination of CBT and IP can benefit adolescent girls with GAD.