Improving Cardiometabolic Health in Adolescent Girls With Elevated Anxiety: Web-Based Multisite, Pilot, and Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.
Caitlin Edwards, Lisa Ranzenhofer, Jason Lavender et al.
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In 30 seconds
This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of web-based interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in adolescent girls aged 12-17 with elevated anxiety and above-average weight. Among 40 participants, IPT showed significant improvements in general anxiety (95% CI -8.95 to -1.40) and HbA1c (95% CI -0.48 to -0.23), while both interventions improved BMI percentile (effect sizes -0.82 for IPT and -0.63 for CBT).
Key findings
- 85% of eligible adolescents enrolled in the study.
- Retention rates were 85% for IPT and 100% for CBT at 12-week follow-up.
- IPT improved general anxiety scores significantly (95% CI -8.95 to -1.40).
- Both interventions led to improvements in BMI percentile with effect sizes of -0.82 for IPT and -0.63 for CBT.
Why it matters
Addressing anxiety in adolescents with elevated BMI may enhance their cardiometabolic health. This study suggests that web-based psychological interventions can be feasible and acceptable, potentially guiding future larger trials.