Identifying, Understanding, and Treating Generalised Anxiety Disorder in Children and Young People: From Psychological Processes to Clinical Practice

Burt, Ellena (2026) Identifying, Understanding, and Treating Generalised Anxiety Disorder in Children and Young People: From Psychological Processes to Clinical Practice. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

Preview

PDF Download (12MB) | Preview

Abstract

Background:
In adults, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) has been widely conceptualised through disorder-specific models, with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) recommended for its treatment in clinical practice. The ICD-11 does not make any distinction in the diagnostic criteria for GAD across age groups, yet the evidence base surrounding GAD in children and young people (CYP) is limited, leaving uncertainty over how It should be conceptualised and treated.

Method:
To provide insight into the applicability of adult models of GAD to youth, a systematic review is presented in which evidence from 36 studies examining associations between intolerance of uncertainty (IU), negative problem orientation (NPO), cognitive avoidance (CA) and positive and negative beliefs about worry (P/NBW) and GAD in CYP was synthesised. An empirical study is also presented in which a vignette-based survey was used to examine clinicians’ identification and treatment of GAD in CYP.

Results:
Significant pooled associations with GAD in CYP were observed for each psychological process. Effect sizes ranged from small to large. The strongest association was found for IU (r = .61, 95% CI [.54, .66] and heterogeneity was substantial across analyses.
Across 137 clinicians, GAD was rated as highly representative of the presenting issue in the vignette (median = 90%), while CBT was strongly endorsed as a recommended treatment option (median = 100%). Clinicians rarely selected a single diagnosis or treatment in isolation (GAD alignment: M = 51%, SD = 27.1; CBT alignment: M = 34.74%, SD = 23.1). Most clinicians reported a desire for additional training in assessing (72.3%) and treating GAD in CYP (83.2%).

Conclusion:
The results deepen the understanding of GAD in CYP, identifying possible treatment targets and providing a clearer picture of how it is being managed within services. Areas for future research and issues with the evidence base are highlighted.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	12 Nov 2026 07:48
Last Modified:	12 Nov 2026 07:48
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/105094
DOI:

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item