Phobic and Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Amie E. Grills-Taquechel, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Houston, has published in the area of childhood anxiety for the past 10 years. She has also given numerous conference presentations, secured grants, and received prestigious awards, including selection as a 2011 American Psychological Society Rising Star. Thomas H. Ollendick, University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech, has published widely in the childhood anxiety disorders arena. In September 2011, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Stockholm for his work in the field of childhood anxiety. Prof. Ollendick has been actively involved in grantsmanship and has conducted several randomized controlled trials on the efficacy and effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral treatments with young people and children.

Compact, authoritative guidance to effective assessment and treatment of the most common psychological difficulties in children and adolescents - phobia and anxiety disordersThis authoritative but compact text addresses the psychopathology, assessment, and treatment of the anxiety disorders and phobias in childhood and adolescence. These perplexing conditions are the most prevalent psychological difficulties in young people and result in considerable impairment and distress, not only to the child but also to her or his family. Effective treatments exist, but unfortunately many of these interventions are either not known to the practicing professionals or not used by them. This volume aims to address this gap and to present these interventions in a clear and straightforward manner.

Table of ContentsPreface1 Description1.1 Terminology1.2 Descriptions1.2.1 Disorders Usually First Diagnosed in Infancy,Childhood, or Adolescence1.2.2 Anxiety Disorders1.2.3 Adjustment Disorders1.3 Epidemiology1.4 Course and Prognosis1.5 Differential Diagnosis1.6 Comorbidities1.7 Future Diagnostic Considerations2 Theories and Models of Phobic and Anxiety Disorders2.1 Genetic/Biological Contributions2.2 Child/Developmental Characteristics2.2.1 Early Behavioral Indicators2.2.2 Cognitive and Emotional Contributions2.3 Environmental/Psychosocial Aspects2.3.1 Parenting Behaviors2.3.2 Peer Relationships2.4 Integrative Models of Anxiety Disorder Development3 Diagnosis and Treatment Indications3.1 General Information3.2 Diagnostic Tools3.2.1 Broad Screening Measures3.2.2 Interviews3.2.3 Rating Scales3.2.4 Observational and Behavioral Assessments4 Treatment4.1 Methods of Treatment4.2 Mechanisms of Action4.2.1 Psychotherapy4.2.2 Psychopharmacology4.3 Variations and Combinations of Methods4.3.1 Multiple Anxiety Diagnoses4.3.2 Social Phobia4.3.3 Separation Anxiety Disorder4.3.4 Specific Phobia4.3.5 Panic Disorder4.3.6 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder4.3.7 Posttraumatic Stress Disorder4.3.8 Additional Comments4.4 Efficacy4.4.1 CBT/BT Efficacy Studies4.4.2 Psychopharmacology Efficacy Studies4.4.3 CBT/BT and Psychopharmacology CombinationEfficacy Studies4.4.4 Evidence-Based Treatments4.4.5 Variables Which May Influence Treatment Efficacy4.5 Problems in Carrying out the Treatments5 Case Vignettes6 Further Reading7 References8 Appendix: Tools and Resources