Computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy for children with epilepsy and anxiety: a pilot study

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are prevalent in children with epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, adaptability, and feasibility of a manual-based, computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for anxiety disorders in children with epilepsy. Fifteen anxious youth (aged 8-13 years) with epilepsy completed 12 weeks of manualized computer-assisted CBT. The children and parents completed a semi-structured interview at baseline, and questionnaires assessing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and behavior problems were completed prior to treatment, at treatment midpoint, after treatment completion, and at three months posttreatment. There were significant reductions in the symptoms of anxiety and depression reported by the children at completion of the intervention and at the three-month follow-up. Similarly, the parents reported fewer symptoms of anxiety and a reduction in behavior problems. No adverse events were reported. This CBT intervention for children with epilepsy and anxiety disorders appears to be safe, effective, and feasible and should be incorporated into future intervention studies.

Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1

Flow chart depicting participant recruitment, screening, enrollment, and follow-up. Reasons for exclusion and failing to enroll are provided.

Figure 2

Camp Cope-A-Lot intervention outline. Content of each appointment is shown, including when parent meetings occurred and when instruments were completed.

Figure 3

Parent and child SCARED scores shown over time. Child means showed a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms across all three time points (p<.05: baseline>7 weeks/12 weeks/ 3-month follow-up). Parent means showed a significant reduction in their child’s anxiety symptoms after the intervention and at follow-up (p<.05: weeks> 12 weeks/3-month follow-up).