Treatment Study for Rural Latino Youth With Anxiety

Children with anxiety disorders are often characterized by an unmet need for treatment however, in special populations such as Latino and rural youth, such disparities are compounded by the effects of culture and geographic isolation. More specifically, barriers related to language, stigma, and access often lead to lower rates of utilization and poorer outcomes among children in need of mental health services (Alvidrez and Azocar, 1999; McCabe et al., 2002; Myers et al., 2008; Vega et al., 2001). These findings are disappointing given abundant data supporting the effectiveness of cognitive behavior and behavior therapies for children with anxiety disorders (Barrett et al., 1996; Beidel et al., 2007; Kendall & Southam-Gerow, 1996; Walkup et al., 2008). Efforts to examine feasible methods to deliver evidence-based treatments to children with anxiety disorders are critical in order to extend quality care to underserved groups. The goal of this R34 is to address these disparities, by translating and tailoring an existing child anxiety cognitive behavior therapy program (The Cool Kids Outreach Program; Lyneham and Rapee, 2006), to fit the needs of Spanish-speaking rural families and examining the feasibility, acceptability, tolerability and safety of implementing this intervention using varying modes of delivery.

A pilot study for children (age 8-13) with anxiety disorders (i.e., separation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias) will be conducted and 40 children will be randomized to two service delivery modes which represent varying levels of therapist contact: 1) 20 families will be randomized to a telephone-based, therapist-supported CBT program, and; 2) 20 families will be randomized to a more minimal contact bibliotherapy condition (primarily CBT self-help materials). All families will be recruited from primary care settings, given its defacto mental health service status. Feasibility and clinical outcomes will be measured at baseline, midtreatment and post-treatment. Additionally, during exit interviews, participants (as well as those who may have dropped out of the program) will be asked to discuss the perceived usefulness, acceptability, and impact of the intervention. This pilot study will provide important data regarding the feasibility, acceptability, tolerability and safety of the intervention conditions as well as the opportunity to pilot procedures that will be used in a larger effectiveness trial with rural Latino youth.

Inclusion criteria

• Child between ages of 8-13
• Meets DSM-IV criteria for one of the following disorders: separation anxiety disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder
• If takes a medication, has maintained a stable dose for 3 months before baseline assessment
• Pediatric medical care is provided through one of the participating primary care clinics
• Parent and child are fluent in English or Spanish
• Family has easy access to a telephone

Exclusion criteria

• Comorbid diagnosis, such as major depression, ADHD, or psychosis that is considered clinically significant and the primary problem
• Life threatening conditions, active suicidality, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder or pervasive developmental disorders