MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES IN YOUNG ADULTS 16 YEARS AFTER RECEIVING TREATMENT FOR CHILD ANXIETY

Abstract

Childhood anxiety disorders are often considered gateway disorders: having an anxiety disorder in youth is associated with a higher likelihood of developing a related psychological disorder in adulthood. Successfully treating youth with anxiety disorders may reduce the likelihood of subsequent anxiety, depressive, and substance use disorders later in life. This study evaluates follow-up outcomes associated with treatment for childhood anxiety by comparing successfully and unsuccessfully treated participants 16 years after the completion of treatment. A sample of 66 youth (ages 7 to 14 at time of initial study treatment, ages 18 to 32 at present follow-up) who had been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and randomized to treatment in a randomized clinical trial on average 16.24 (SD = 3.56) years prior participated in the present follow-up evaluation that included self-report measures and a diagnostic interview conducted to assess anxiety, depression, and substance misuse. Results indicate that, relative to those who respond successfully to CBT intervention for an anxiety disorder in childhood, those who were less responsive to CBT for childhood anxiety had higher rates of panic disorder, alcohol dependence, and drug abuse in adulthood. The present study is the first to assess the 16-year follow-up effects of CBT treatment for an anxiety disorder in youth on anxiety, depression, and substance abuse through the period of young adulthood when these disorders are often seen.