NCT01563003

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders in Adolescents With Autism

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 31 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of South Florida · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 11 Years – 16 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Due to the considerable prevalence of anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorders, this study seeks to establish the efficacy of a modified cognitive behavioral therapy protocol in 50 adolescents versus other available treatment options.

Detailed description

This study will further examine a treatment plan for adolescents with autism spectrum disorderS (ASD) and anxiety. Many children who have an autism spectrum disorder experience substantial anxiety that can cause impairment above that of an ASD alone. Few studies have examined effective treatment options for anxiety in this population. In typically developing youth, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered the gold standard for treating anxiety. But, in order to address the unique needs of children with ASD, this study utilizes a modified CBT treatment plan which includes social skills and parent training. In our past studies, this cognitive-behavioral treatment plan has been effective in kids with ASD and anxiety compared to kids who did not receive any treatment.The current study compares this modified treatment plan to other treatment options in the community. The experimental component of this study is being assigned to 1 of 2 groups. The first group will receive CBT immediately for a period of 16 weeks. The second group will have to wait 16 weeks before receiving CBT. During this time period, children may receive any other services in the community. Overall, all adolescents receive the same type of therapy; it's matter of whether he/she receives it immediately or after a wait period. Sixteen weekly sessions comprise CBT. All therapy and assessments associated with this study will be free of charge.

Conditions

• Autism
• Asperger's Syndrome
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Social Phobia
• Separation Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Cognitive Behavioral Therapy	This condition involves 16 weekly CBT sessions.
OTHER	Treatment as usual	This condition allows participants to seek out various services. Considering the number of possible treatment options, there is no way to identify or list them.

Timeline

• Start date: 2011-06-01
• Primary completion: 2015-04-01
• Completion: 2015-04-01
• First posted: 2012-03-26
• Last updated: 2015-04-17
• Results posted: 2015-04-17

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States