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CBT for Anxiety and Associated Somatic Complaints in Pediatric Medical Settings: An Open Pilot Study

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Abstract

Objective To examine the initial feasibility and potential efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for youth with anxiety disorders and non-medical somatic symptoms. Background Based on a strong relationship between somatic complaints and anxiety disorders, screening youngsters seeking medical care due to physical symptoms with no organic basis may enhance the recognition of anxiety disorders and facilitate access to appropriate services. Method Seven boys and girls, ages 8 through 15, with medically unexplained gastrointestinal complaints and anxiety disorders received a 12-session cognitive-behavioral intervention targeting anxiety and physical symptoms. Assessments were conducted at baseline and following treatment. Results All participants were classified as treatment responders. Three of the seven participants no longer met diagnostic criteria for their principal anxiety disorder. Children’s physical discomfort decreased from a moderate to minimal level based on self- and parent-reports. Conclusions Our modified cognitive-behavioral approach has promise for reducing anxiety and somatic symptoms in children seeking medical care.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Child Study Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, 215 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA

    Carrie Masia Warner, Laura C. Reigada & Amy L. Saborsky

  2. The Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA

    Carrie Masia Warner

  3. Department of Psychology, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA

    Paige H. Fisher

  4. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA

    Keith J. Benkov

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  1. Carrie Masia Warner
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  2. Laura C. Reigada
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  4. Amy L. Saborsky
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  5. Keith J. Benkov
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Correspondence to Carrie Masia Warner.

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Masia Warner, C., Reigada, L.C., Fisher, P.H. et al. CBT for Anxiety and Associated Somatic Complaints in Pediatric Medical Settings: An Open Pilot Study. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 16, 169–177 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-008-9143-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-008-9143-6

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