Effectiveness of complementary and self-help treatments for anxiety in children and adolescents

Abstract

Objective: To review the evidence for the effectiveness of complementary and self-help treatments for anxiety disorders and situational anxiety in children and adolescents. Data sources: Systematic literature search using PubMed, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library for 111 treatments up to February 2006. Study selection: There were 11 treatments for which intervention studies had been undertaken and reported. Data extraction: Studies on each treatment were reviewed by one author and checked by a second. A consensus was reached for level of evidence. Data synthesis: Relevant evidence was available for bibliotherapy, dance and movement therapy, distraction techniques, humour, massage, melatonin,..