Intensive treatments for generalized anxiety disorder in children and adolescents

Abstract

Worry is a normal part of child development. However, a significant proportion of young people experience excessive worry that causes distress and interference with daily functioning. Although worry is a common feature of all anxiety disorders, it is a defining feature of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Cognitive-behavioural therapy is an efficacious treatment for GAD and other anxiety disorders that in recent years has been successfully adapted into short, time-limited formats for other childhood anxiety disorders including Specific Phobia, Social Phobia, Panic, Separation Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. However, intensive treatments for GAD specifically have not been examined to date. This paper provides a brief overview of the characteristics of youth with GAD, followed by a review of current intensive treatments for other anxiety disorders and evidence suggesting these approaches are effective in treating comorbid GAD. Potential benefits of an intensive treatment for GAD are outlined, and directions for future research on intensive treatments for GAD are discussed.