Predictors of outcome in exposure-based cognitive and behavioral treatments for phobic and anxiety disorders in children

This study examined predictors of exposure-based cognitive and behavioral treatments for phobic and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. Children's sociodemographics, diagnostic characteristics (e.g., number of diagnoses), treatment format (i.e., individual, group), child symptoms assessed from the. perspective of the child and parent (e.g., anxiety, fear), parent symptoms, and marital adjustment were examined. The best predictors of treatment outcome were depression and trait anxiety in the child, and several psychological symptoms in the parent (e.g., depression, hostility, paranoia). Parent symptoms were less effective predictors with older children and with group treatment. The results are discussed with respect to previous research findings as well as potential treatment implications.