Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety in youth with an autism spectrum disorder: A follow-up study

Autism. 2015 Jul;19(5):613-21. doi: 10.1177/1362361314537912. Epub 2014 Jun 12.

Abstract

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety in youth with an autism spectrum disorder appears efficacious; however, maintenance of treatment gains has not yet been studied. Using a sample of 32 youth who had benefited at least minimally from a past trial of cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety in autism spectrum disorder, this study assessed anxiety symptoms in youth 10-26 months following treatment completion. Compared to baseline, follow-up scores were associated with large effects for treatment. Relative to post-treatment, a small effect for return in symptoms was present and significantly fewer individuals were rated as responders at follow-up. Future studies should investigate factors associated with poor treatment maintenance and modifications or additions to treatment that may help maintain treatment gains.

Keywords: efficacy; maintenance; relapse; treatment.

Publication types

  • Clinical Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology
  • Anxiety Disorders / therapy
  • Anxiety, Separation / psychology
  • Anxiety, Separation / therapy*
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / therapy*
  • Child
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / psychology
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / therapy*
  • Phobic Disorders / psychology
  • Phobic Disorders / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome