Common Barriers to the Dissemination of Exposure Therapy for Youth with Anxiety Disorders

Overview

Journal Community Ment Health J

Specialty Health Services

Date 2017 Feb 10

PMID 28181093

Citations 21

Authors

Adam M Reid

Maria I Bolshakova

Andrew G Guzick

Alyka G Fernandez

Catherine W Striley

Gary R Geffken

Joseph P McNamara

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of common barriers to the use of exposure therapy (ET) in the treatment of youth with anxiety disorders, specifically examining both logistical limitations and negative beliefs about ET. Results from 230 practicing clinicians who treat youth with anxiety disorders found that the top three barriers were session length (56%), lack of training (48%), and concern about parent reaction (47%). Endorsement of barriers to ET was associated with less ET utilization and less optimal implementation of ET. Results suggest that several barriers, especially logistical limitations, must be addressed in order to improve the dissemination of ET.

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