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TURKU, Finland – A groundbreaking study conducted by the Research Center for Child Psychiatry at the University of Turku has demonstrated the effectiveness of school-based screening for anxiety disorders in children, and the positive impact of a specialized intervention program. The research, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, also highlights the potential of digital resources in addressing childhood anxiety.
The study, led by Professor Andre Sourander, employed a two-stage screening process during routine school health check-ups, involving over 11,000 children aged 10-13. Using the Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) questionnaire, researchers found that a significant 80% of children who proceeded to the second stage received an anxiety disorder diagnosis.
“This is a significant result as it shows that children’s anxiety disorder can be screened at a population level,” stated Professor Sourander. “Early identification of anxiety disorders is particularly challenging as some anxiety is normal, and early manifestations of the disorder often go unnoticed by those around the child.”
The study also revealed a concerning prevalence of untreated anxiety, with less than 5% of participants receiving medication and less than 13% having contacted specialized health care in the preceding six months.
To address this, 465 children participated in a randomized controlled trial. Some received the “Master Your Worries” intervention, a 10-week cognitive behavioral therapy program featuring digital materials, exercises, and weekly telephone coaching. The control group received digital psychoeducation materials.
The “Master Your Worries” program significantly reduced symptoms of generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and separation anxiety in children. “A noteworthy result is that the greatest benefit of the intervention was obtained by children who met the diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorder,” Professor Sourander explained.
Furthermore, even the control group, receiving only psychoeducation, showed significant improvements in anxiety-related symptoms, daily functioning, and quality of life, as reported by both children and their parents.
“Identifying children’s anxiety symptoms as part of school health care and providing low-threshold psychoeducation can bring great benefits to children with anxiety and their families,” said Professor Sourander.
The study underscores the importance of early intervention, as untreated childhood anxiety can lead to depression, substance abuse, and other psychiatric problems in adulthood. Given the estimated 6-18% of school-age children suffering from anxiety disorders, and the observed increase in anxiety among adolescents, these findings offer valuable insights for planning low-threshold early interventions and service planning.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided by the University of Turku study. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
More information: Andre Sourander et al, Internet-Based Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy Intervention Master Your Worries With Telephone Coaching for Anxious Finnish Children Aged 10-13 Years: A Population-Based Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2024.11.024
