A Case Series of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Augmentation of Antidepressant Medication for Anxiety in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders |
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| Authors: | Eric A. Storch Joshua M. Nadeau Brittany Rudy Amanda B. Collier Elysse B. Arnold Adam B. Lewin |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL;2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL;3. Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL;4. Rogers Behavioral Health - Tampa Bay, Tampa, FL;5. All Children’s Hospital/John’s Hopkins Medicine, St. Petersburg, FLestorch@health.usf.edu |
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| Abstract: | Objective: To provide preliminary estimates of the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating anxiety disorders among youth with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) whose anxiety remained clinically problematic following an adequate course of pharmacotherapy.Method: Seven youth with ASD and one or more comorbid anxiety disorders, who were non- or partial-responders to serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) treatment delivered by their community provider (age range = 12–15 years), received 16 sessions of weekly CBT. Assessments were administered at baseline, approximately 17 weeks following baseline (pre-treatment), and after receiving CBT (post-treatment).Results: Four of seven participants were classified as treatment responders (much or very much improved) at post-treatment. Clinician severity ratings for 6 of 7 participants—as measured by the PARS, ADIS-IV-P, and CGI-Severity—decreased following CBT, with effect sizes ranging from 1.35 to 1.54. Parent-rated anxiety and ASD symptoms in the child were not significantly reduced.Conclusions: This study provides preliminary support for use of CBT in augmenting SRI treatment in youth with ASD and anxiety. |
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