Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescents with anxiety disorders: A feasibility study

Background: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a well-documented effective method for the treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. While internet based CBT (ICBT) programs for adults have been widely investigated, research on ICBT programs for anxiety disorders in youth is still in an early phase: To date, no such program has been developed or evaluated in Denmark. Aim: As preparation for a randomized controlled efficacy trial, this study aimed at evaluating the feasibility of a translated and adapted version of the ICBT program 'Chilled Out' for adolescents with anxiety disorders, developed at Macquarie University, Australia. Methods: At the University Clinic in Aarhus, Denmark, we conducted a feasibility study with six adolescents with a primary anxiety disorder. The 12-week ICBT intervention consisted of eight online modules. Participants received weekly phone calls from a clinical psychologist. Semi-structured interviews on participant's experiences of the program were administered post-treatment and at three-month follow-up. Outcome was evaluated posttreatment and at follow-up using diagnostic interview and questionnaires. Results: Five of the six participants completed the program. Participants were generally satisfied with the program and the majority would recommend it to others. Preliminary clinical outcome results indicated moderate to large improvements (e.g., a standardized mean difference from pre-to post-treatment of d = 1.54 on the clinical severity rating of their primary anxiety disorder). Conclusion: Results from this study indicate that a translated and revised version of the Chilled Out program could be a feasible psychological intervention for Danish adolescents with anxiety disorders.