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Intolerance of Uncertainty and Parental Accommodation: Promising Targets for Personalized Intervention for Youth Anxiety

  • Anxiety Disorders (A Pelissolo, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

After reviewing predictors of differential outcomes of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for pediatric anxiety, we identify and discuss recent evidence for the role of (a) intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and (b) parental accommodation as meaningful targets for personalized intervention.

Recent Findings

Few studies to date have identified promising, theory-driven predictors of differential CBT outcomes. Recent findings suggest that increased IU and high levels of parental accommodation are associated with a poorer response to CBT. Several adaptations of CBT and new interventions targeting either IU or parental accommodation have been developed and found to be efficacious in preliminary studies.

Summary

IU and parental accommodation are promising constructs for personalizing intervention, both in the identification of who will respond to treatment and in the development of targeted intervention. We recommend that future work test if individuals high in IU and/or parental accommodation will respond more optimally to treatments that specifically target these constructs. The results of this future work may help to move the field closer to personalized intervention.

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Correspondence to Philip C. Kendall.

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Lesley A. Norris, Jonathan C. Rabner, Margaret E. Crane, and Lara S. Rifkin each declare no potential conflicts of interest.

Dr. Kendall has no specific conflicts regarding the content of the present paper but he does receive royalties from the sales of materials related to the treatment of anxiety in youth.

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Kendall, P.C., Norris, L.A., Rabner, J.C. et al. Intolerance of Uncertainty and Parental Accommodation: Promising Targets for Personalized Intervention for Youth Anxiety. Curr Psychiatry Rep 22, 49 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-020-01170-3

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