Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) for adolescents with anxiety disorders delivered with different types of therapist support: a randomized feasibility trial.
N M Sørensen, H Skaarnes, K Mathiasen et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This randomized feasibility trial examined internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) for adolescents aged 12–17 years with anxiety disorders, comparing planned written therapist support with support available on demand in a routine care setting. Fifteen adolescents and their parents participated, with participants randomized 1:1 between the two conditions. The study assessed treatment and study feasibility and acceptability, alongside clinical measures of anxiety diagnosis and symptom severity. The authors judged delivery with different support approaches potentially feasible, but the contrast in support received was smaller than intended, prompting a change to the planned-support schedule.
Key findings
- Fifteen adolescents aged 12–17 years and their parents participated; adolescents were randomized 1:1 to planned support or support on demand.
- ICBT with different degrees of therapist support appeared potentially feasible in a routine care setting.
- The difference in therapist support received between conditions was less pronounced than expected.
- The planned-support condition was adapted to provide support at fixed weekly intervals rather than after session completion.
Why it matters
Therapist support is delivered in different ways in internet-based treatment, but its practical implementation can affect whether study conditions meaningfully differ. This feasibility trial highlights the need to design support schedules that are both workable in routine care and sufficiently distinct for evaluation. Its findings inform preparation for a larger trial, rather than establishing comparative clinical effectiveness.
What to keep in mind
The trial included only 15 adolescents and was designed to assess feasibility, not establish clinical effectiveness. The intended difference in support received between conditions was not achieved as expected.