Attention Treatments Can Reduce Anxiety Disorders that are Difficult to Cure Through CBT

Anxiety disorder is common in almost 30 to 50 percent of youngsters living in the US. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has conducted a study and found that these youngsters are unable to treat anxiety through Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). The study has also found that computer-based attention training is helpful to eliminate anxiety in youngsters.

Though CBT is considered as a perfect way to treat mental health problems, the youngsters living in the country need other treatment options as well.

Anxiety raises the chances of distress, risks of psychiatric disorders and suicidal tendencies. The study has provided an effective strategy to treat children and adolescents suffering from anxiety disorders that are not cured by CBT.

64 youngsters who have anxiety disorders even though passing through cognitive behavior therapy, took part in the study. All the youngsters were provided with attention training for four weeks. Throughout the period, the participants received two forms of computer-based attention training.

The first attention training was focused on treating neutral stimuli from threatening stimuli. The second attention training was given to provide attention to neutral and threatening stimuli equally.

Both types of attention training led to a reduction in anxiety among the participants. Computer-based attention training proved helpful for youngsters who do not respond to CBT. A majority of people are unaware of how to treat anxiety. This computer-based attention training has given good results to treat anxiety.