Efficacy of modular cognitive behavior therapy for childhood anxiety disorders

The present investigation evaluated the initial efficacy of a modular approach to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders in youth. Modular CBT consists of the guided combination of individually scripted techniques that are explicitly matched to the child's individual strengths and needs. Eleven youth primarily of Asian and Pacific Island ethnicity ranging in age from 7 to 13 were referred for treatment. Comparisons in a multiple baseline across children provided preliminary support for the efficacy of the intervention. Among the 7 completers, all principal diagnoses were absent at posttreatment and 6-month follow-up assessments, and measures of anxiety symptoms and life functioning almost uniformly evidenced clinically significant improvements.