Intervention program reduces children's anxiety and improves functional ability
A new follow-up study examined the efficacy of the Master Your Worries program developed by the Research Center for Child Psychiatry at the University of Turku in Finland. It involved 465 Finnish children ages 10–13 who showed symptoms of anxiety. The children were screened during annual school health checkups. No similar study using a population-based screening program to identify anxiety in…
A Finnish follow-up study found that the Master Your Worries program effectively reduced anxiety and improved daily functioning in children aged 10-13. Involving 465 children who screened positive for anxiety during school health checks, the program was compared to a control group receiving digital materials on anxiety and well-being.
Participants in the Master Your Worries program showed significantly greater reductions in anxiety symptoms and functional improvements at the one-year and two-year follow-ups. The positive effects persisted six to twelve months post-treatment, suggesting a delayed treatment effect. Principal investigator Professor Andre Sourander explained that cognitive behavioral therapy techniques can become ingrained in a child's and family's daily routines, leading to long-lasting benefits.
With anxiety disorders affecting 6%-18% of school-age children and adolescents, and growing anxiety rates globally, the study highlights the need for accessible treatment options. Master Your Worries, a 10-week online intervention involving both child and parent, shows promise as a complement to existing mental health services, particularly for children with severe symptoms.
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