The goal of this study is to develop a new internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) intervention for youths with anxiety disorders based on the best current knowledge about effective cognitive behavioral therapy for the target group, refine the intervention in collaboration with patient and public representatives, and conduct a preliminary evaluation of the treatment effects in an open clinical trial.
The primary objective of the study is:
1\. To evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a newly developed ICBT intervention for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders in reducing anxiety severity, as measured by the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS).
Secondary objectives of the study are:
1. To examine the preliminary efficacy (PARS) of the ICBT intervention at 3 months post-treatment. 2. To examine how youths with anxiety disorders, their caregivers, therapists, and healthcare leadership experience the ICBT intervention. 3. To examine factors (e.g., age, type of anxiety disorder, presence of depressive symptoms, experiences of ICBT) that predict treatment outcome. 4. To examine how the ICBT intervention can be improved (e.g., treatment content and technical delivery) for future use.
Participants will:
* Undergo ICBT treatment for anxiety disorders during 12 weeks * Complete questionnaires at multiple time points throughout the study * Participate in follow-ups post-treatment and 3 months post-treatment * A selection of participants will also be invited to focus group interviews with the aim to generate ideas on how the intervention may be improved for future use
Confirmed by the child/caregiver and subsequently by the medical record system. 2) A principal DSM-5-TR anxiety disorder of specific phobia, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder or agoraphobia.
Confirmed by the Diagnostic Interview for Anxiety, Mood, and OCD and related Neuropsychiatric Disorders - Child and Adolescent Version (DIAMOND-KID).
Confirmed by the child/caregiver. 4) An available caregiver who can support the child in treatment.
Confirmed by the caregiver. 5) Access to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop/desktop device, and the internet.
Confirmed by a blood-injection-injury phobia being classified as the principal anxiety disorder as assessed by the DIAMOND-KID.
Confirmed by the caregiver (through previous diagnosis) and/or by attending a special needs school for learning difficulties.
According to the DIAMOND-KID and/or other available sources. 4) Social/familial/educational difficulties in more immediate need of management than an anxiety disorder.
Confirmed by the assessor through information from the child/caregiver and/or other available sources.