Family-based treatments for children with anxiety and OCD

Evaluation of Family-Based Behavioral Treatments for Youth With Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

This study tests two online treatments for children aged 7 to 13 with anxiety and OCD to see if they can help families who have trouble accessing regular therapy.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Ages: 7 Years to 13 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Baylor College of Medicine (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Houston, Texas)
• Trial ID: NCT05967468 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project evaluates the effectiveness of two lower-intensity treatments for children aged 7 to 13 with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) delivered via telehealth. The interventions include a parent-led internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) and a parent training program paired with bibliotherapy. The study aims to improve access to care for families who may face barriers to traditional in-person therapy, such as cost and availability of trained therapists. By utilizing telehealth, the study seeks to reach a wider range of families, particularly those in rural or underserved areas.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 7 to 13 with clinically significant symptoms of anxiety or OCD, whose parents are willing to participate in the treatment.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have clinically significant anxiety or OCD symptoms or those who cannot engage in the required treatment modalities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide more accessible and effective treatment options for children suffering from anxiety and OCD.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar telehealth approaches for treating anxiety in children, indicating potential for this study's methods.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* The child is between the ages of 7 to 13 years inclusion at enrollment
* The child has clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and/or OCD, as indicated by a score of 12 or higher on the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS).
* The child is appropriate for anxiety-focused treatment (e.g., anxiety is the primary or co-primary problem as diagnosed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID).
* One parent/guardian is able and willing to participate in assessment and treatment (e.g., has sufficient English fluency, the decisional capacity to participate, and can commit to treatment duration).
* The participating parent/guardian lives with their child at least 50% of the time per self-report.
* Both parent and child are able to read and understand English.
* The child has the intellectual and communication skills to engage in CBT, as judged by an experienced supervising clinician.
* Participants must be in the state of Texas for treatment sessions/assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

* the child has a diagnosis of child lifetime bipolar disorder, drug or alcohol dependence, psychotic disorder, or conduct disorder.
* the child has severe, current suicidal/homicidal ideation and/or self-injury requiring medical intervention (referrals will be made for appropriate clinical intervention).
* the child is receiving concurrent therapy for anxiety.
* New Treatments: Initiation of an antidepressant within 12 weeks before study enrollment OR 6 weeks for an antipsychotic, benzodiazepine, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication before study enrollment. Established Treatment changes: Any change in established psychotropic medication (e.g., antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotic) within 4 weeks before study enrollment. Any medications must remain stable during treatment; downward adjustments due to side effects may be acceptable.

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

• Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Daphne Ayton, B.A.

Conditions Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Children; Anxiety Disorder of Childhood; Social Anxiety Disorder of Childhood; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Adolescence; Generalized Anxiety Disorder; Separation Anxiety; Panic Disorder; Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia