Cognitive–Behavioral Treatment for Pediatric Anxiety Disorders

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent and debilitating psychological disorders among children and adolescents. Cognitive-behavioral treatments (CBTs) for anxiety disorders are linked to a tripartite model of anxiety and address cognition (anticipated threat), behavior (avoidance), and emotions (agitated arousal). Empirical evidence supports the use of cognitive-behavioral interventions as efficacious treatment for many anxiety disorders in youth, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), separation anxiety disorder (SAD), social phobia (SP), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Along with descriptions of CBT, a number of recommendations are made for future work. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)(chapter)