Brief,Intensive Treatment for Separation Anxiety in an 8-Year-Old Boy: A Case Study

Abstract

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the evidence-based treatment modality for children with anxiety disorders; yet, many youth do not receive treatment. To overcome barriers associated with standardized CBT approaches, brief, intensive treatments have been proposed. This case study illustrates a brief, intensive CBT intervention for a preadolescent male client who presented with severe separation anxiety. The intervention consisted of five sessions (one each day for five consecutive days) and a follow-up assessment 4 months later to evaluate treatment outcomes. The intervention strategies were based in CBTs and included exposures, cognitive reappraisal work with both the client and the parents, and reduction of parental accommodation. Reliable Change Indices were calculated to evaluate change from preintervention to the follow-up assessment. There were large and statistically significant decreases in the main outcome measure of separation anxiety symptoms, indicating significant improvements in separation symptoms over treatment per the client’s and parents’ reports. At the follow-up session, the client no longer met diagnostic criteria for separation anxiety disorder. The results highlight the utility of brief, intensive interventions for separation anxiety in young children.