How parents deliver CBT to help their children beat anxiety disorders

Project

Guided parent-delivered CBT for childhood anxiety

Funding

£278,696 from the Medical Research Council towards the cost of the trial

Background

Between five and 10 per cent of children suffer from anxiety disorders, which can affect their emotional and social development and lead to depression if left untreated. Early intervention is crucial and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which helps people overcome difficulties by changing how they think and behave, is seen by professionals as an effective treatment. However, there are often long waiting lists for CBT.

Researchers at Reading University's Anxiety and Depression in Young People Research Unit were inspired by an Australian study, which involved training isolated rural parents to deliver CBT to their children at home. They went on to embark on a trial to investigate whether a similar approach could increase the accessibility of CBT for UK children and work out how much guidance from a therapist was needed to get the best results.