1 research outputs found
Indicated prevention interventions for anxiety in children and adolescents: a review and meta-analysis of school-based programs
Anxiety disorders are among the most common youth mental health disorders. Early intervention can reduce elevated anxiety symptoms. School-based interventions exist but it is unclear how effective targeted approaches are for reducing symptoms of anxiety. This review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of school-based indicated interventions for symptomatic children and adolescents. The study was registered with PROSPERO [CRD42018087628]. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library for randomised-controlled trials comparing indicated programs for child and adolescent (5β18 years) anxiety to active or inactive control groups. Data were extracted from papers up to December 2019. The primary outcome was efficacy (mean change in anxiety symptom scores). Sub-group and sensitivity analyses explored intervention intensity and control type. We identified 20 studies with 2076 participants. Eighteen studies were suitable for meta-analysis. A small positive effect was found for indicated programs compared to controls on self-reported anxiety symptoms at post-test (gβ=βββ0.28, CIβ=βββ0.50, ββ0.05, kβ=β18). This benefit was maintained at 6 (gβ=βββ0.35, CIβ=βββ0.58, ββ0.13, kβ=β9) and 12 months (gβ=βββ0.24, CIβ=βββ0.48, 0.00, kβ=β4). Based on two studies,β>β12 month effects were very small (gβ=βββ0.01, CIβ=βββ0.38, 0.36). No differences were found based on intervention intensity or control type. Risk of bias and variability between studies was high (I2β=β78%). Findings show that school-based indicated programs for child and adolescent anxiety can produce small beneficial effects, enduring for up to 12 months. Future studies should include long-term diagnostic assessments