Parents’ Perceptions of Novel Treatments for Child and Adolescent Specific Phobia and Anxiety Disorders

Abstract

This study aimed to examine parents' perceptions of established treatments, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), relative to novel treatments of D-cycloserine (DCS) and attention bias modification (ABM) augmented CBT to determine if novel treatments are perceived as more or less favorable than established treatments. Participants included parents of children with a specific phobia, enrolled in one of two randomized controlled trials of either one-session augmented DCS (n = 38, Gold Coast) or ABM augmented one-session treatment (n = 34, Brisbane), as well as parents from a community sample (n = 38). Parents of children with a specific phobia perceived CBT most favorably. There was no difference between the sites on perceptions of ABM. However, parents of children enrolled in the DCS trial perceived DCS more favorably than parents of children enrolled in the ABM trial and the community sample. These results demonstrate parents' greater acceptance of psychological treatments over pharmacological treatments for the treatment of childhood phobias, highlighting the importance of educating parents to novel treatments.

Factors Associated With Parental Consent to use D-Cycloserine for Child Anxiety

“…More speculatively, yet consistent with Lazaratou et al (2007), these results suggest providing parents with knowledge about DCS, including information about its acute administration and minimal side-effect profile, may reduce unrealistic concerns and increase its acceptability. For example, Roberts et al (2016) found parents did not view DCS as a favourable intervention relative to psychological treatments; however, once they had been informed of the potential risks and benefits, there was a significant increase in acceptability. In these cases, good information may increase treatment acceptability by: (1) dispelling misconceptions about risks regarding DCS, and (2) highlighting the potential benefits of the intervention for their child.…”

“…In a recent study, Roberts, Farrell, Waters, Oar, and Ollendick (2016) compared parent perceptions of treatments for children enrolled in exposure therapy for a specific phobia augmented by either DCS or attention bias modification (novel interventions) versus cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; standard treatments). Overall, parents favoured CBT and psychological over pharmacological treatments.…”

Pharmacological enhancement of extinction learning.

“…Another important aspect of DCS implementation in children is the involvement of parents in treatment-related decisions. Despite minimal risks for side effects, studies have shown that parents are generally not in favor of the use of DCS (Roberts, Farrell, Waters, Oar, & Ollendick, 2016). It is essential, however, that parents feel confident about treatment in order to successfully implement DCS.…”

A 6-year-old child with wind phobia

“…[ 1 ] Cognitive behavioral therapy and selective serotonin uptake inhibitors occupy an important place in the treatment of specific phobias. [ 2 , 3 ] To the best of our knowledge, only one case of wind phobia has to date been reported in children and adolescents. [ 4 ] This case report describes a six-year-old boy with wind phobia treated with cognitive behavioral therapy and escitalopram.…”