A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of an internet-based cognitive-behavioral program on anxiety symptoms in a community-based sample of adolescents

Kathleen A. O'Connor, Alexa Bagnell, Rhonda J. Rosychuk, Anqi A. Chen, Patricia Lingley-Pottie, Ashley D. Radomski, Arto Ohinmaa, Anthony Joyce, Patrick J. McGrath, Amanda S. Newton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Adolescents’ use of online resources to self-manage anxiety is growing. The objective of the current trial was to assess the effectiveness of an online, primarily self-led cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program in reducing anxiety symptoms compared to an active comparator, access to anxiety resources on a static website. A total of 563 adolescents (13–19 years) with self-identified anxiety concerns were enrolled. Self-reported anxiety symptoms were assessed pre- and post-intervention (6 weeks). Adolescents were further assessed 3 months post-intervention. Other outcomes assessed at the three time-points were quality of life (QOL) and healthcare utilization. Both interventions reduced anxiety symptoms after use. Group differences in symptom change were not significant post-intervention (p = 0.16), but were at 3 months (favouring online CBT; p = 0.04) with male participants reporting more symptom change (p = 0.03). Across time-points, as anxiety symptoms decreased, QOL increased (p < 0.001). Among participants that provided healthcare utilization before and after intervention use, the greatest changes in use were among online CBT users particularly for mental health provider visits (psychiatrist, –41.0 % vs. +18.5 %; social worker, –42.5 % vs. –22.1 %), hospital-based care (emergency department visits, –80.0 % vs. +79.4 %; hospital admissions, –76.1 % vs. +42.9 %), and use of self-help or alternative treatments (–60.0 % vs. +6.6 %). Results suggest that, over time, use of online CBT by adolescents can result in improved anxiety symptoms and fewer use of other healthcare resources compared to traditional online information seeking.

Original languageEnglish
Article number102637
JournalJournal of Anxiety Disorders
Volume92
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Alberta Health Services was one of the sources of information for recruitment for this study and we acknowledge the collaboration with clinicians the from the Children, Youth and Families portfolio of Addiction and Mental Health Service, Edmonton Zone, Alberta Health Services. This trial was funded by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Foundation Mental Health Initiative.

Funding Information:
Alberta Health Services was one of the sources of information for recruitment for this study and we acknowledge the collaboration with clinicians the from the Children, Youth and Families portfolio of Addiction and Mental Health Service, Edmonton Zone, Alberta Health Services. This trial was funded by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Foundation Mental Health Initiative .

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 Elsevier Ltd

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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