| Abstrakt: |
Background: The study of cognition in anxious children (i.e., those with anxiety disorders and those with high trait anxiety) is a burgeoning field. Cognitive biases towards encoding threatening information, interpreting stimuli as threatening, and selecting avoidant responses have been found to affect these children, and in some cases their parents too. These biases as well as certain cognitive abilities and deficits have been related to childhood anxiety and its treatment. Given the plethora of recent findings, implications for the practicing clinician are not always obvious. Methods: Using a review of recent medical literature, this paper summarizes key findings and examines potential links to clinical practice. Results: The need to appreciate the reciprocal relationship between anxiety and cognition is highlighted (i.e., anxiety can contribute to cognitive biases and deficits, but cognitive problems can also contribute to anxiety). Cognitive factors can also predict poor response to traditional treatments, and thus suggest modifications of treatment that may benefit some children. Treatments focused on cognitive biases are gaining popularity, but their role in the treatment of anxious children and in relation to other anxiety treatments merits further study. Conclusion: Recent cognitive findings enhance our clinical understanding of anxious children, and may suggest ways of tailoring evidence-based treatments to best meet the needs of children with diverse cognitive profiles and developmental needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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