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Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy for Anxiety and Depressive Disorders in Children and Adolescents: An Evidence-Based Medicine Review

NCJ Number
206500
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Volume: 43 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2004 Pages: 930-959
Author(s)
Scott N. Compton Ph.D.; John S. March M.D.; David Brent M.D.; Anne Marie Albano Ph.D.; V. Robin Weersing Ph.D.; John Curry Ph.D.
Editor(s)
Mina K. Dulcan M.D.
Date Published
August 2004
Length
30 pages
Annotation
Within the conceptual framework of evidence-based medicine, this article reviews the literature on the cognitive-behavioral treatment of children and adolescents with anxiety and depressive disorders.
Abstract
The past decade has seen the emergence of diverse, sophisticated, and empirically supported cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) covering the range of childhood-onset anxiety and depressive disorders. This article provides a critical review of CBT for these conditions using the tools of evidence-based medicine (EBM). In conducting this review, the psychiatric and psychological literature was systematically searched for controlled trials applying cognitive-behavioral treatment to pediatric anxiety and depressive disorders. The terms anxiety, depression, cognitive therapy and behavior therapy were searched to locate relevant literature. A substantial evidence base supports the effectiveness of problem-specific cognitive-behavioral interventions for a variety of childhood and adolescent anxiety and depressive disorders. CBT is consistent with an EBM perspective that values empirically supported problem-focused treatment. It presents a logical theoretical framework to guide practitioners through an assessment of specific problem domains, the delivery of problem-specific treatment interventions, and well-specified outcomes to monitor treatment progress. Several recommendations are presented for future research in the areas of childhood and adolescent anxiety and depressive disorders, including comparing cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy with other treatments, component analyses, and the application of exportable protocol-driven treatments to divergent settings and patient populations. Tables and references