Reduction in avoidance mediates effects of brief behavioral therapy for pediatric anxiety and depression

Behav Res Ther. 2023 Mar 8;164:104290. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104290. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBrief behavioral therapy (BBT) is an efficacious transdiagnostic intervention for pediatric anxiety and depression that targets behavioral avoidance as a key mechanism. It is unknown if change in avoidance mediates treatment effects, as theorized. Data on avoidance at baseline and Week 16 were available on 52 youth (ages 8-16 years) from a randomized controlled trial (Weersing, Jeffreys, et al., 2017) comparing BBT and assisted referral to community care (ARC). BBT had significant effects on youth-reported behavioral avoidance, and significant indirect effects on functioning and anxiety, statistically mediated through changes in youth-reported behavioral avoidance. Change in youth-reported avoidance was not a significant mediator of depression. Parent-report of avoidance was not impacted by treatment and was not a significant mediator. Overall, BBT appears to be an effective treatment for targeting behavioral avoidance, which in turn, may improve functioning and lessen anxiety. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov; NCT01147614.PMID:36965232 | DOI:10.1016/j.brat.2023.104290
Source: Behaviour Research and Therapy - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Source Type: research