Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Childhood Anxiety Disorders: a Review of Recent Advances.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We review recent research validating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a first-line intervention for childhood anxiety disorders. We also review recent research aimed at enhancing exposure-based CBT components and adapting CBT to work with specific populations. RECENT FINDINGS: Exposure-based CBT is a well-established intervention. Different research groups have found positive evidence to augment CBT by evaluating inhibitory learning principles, the role of parents in child treatment, an individualized case formulation, computer and online forms of CBT, and virtual and augmented reality systems for exposure practice. Specific programs have been developed to meet specific needs of preschoolers, adolescents, and children with comorbid autism spectrum disorder and anxiety. Successful adaptations to CBT exist and the field should continue to improve the generalizability, feasibility, and expected benefit of CBT to improve its effectiveness.

Implementation of ACTION: A Case Example.

The ACTION treatment program was developed as a school-based CBT program for girls in grades 3 to 6 to address depression. It has shown to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms and disorders. The treatment relies on a strong case conceptualization and follows a treatment protocol that is used to help children learn and apply coping skills, problem-solving, and cognitive restructuring. A case description is presented to give a detailed example of how this treatment protocol can be applied in individual therapy, and an emphasis on the therapists' thoughts and decision-making points is highlighted. Many subtle aspects to treating depressed youth are described.