Family based treatment of anxiety disorders: A review of the literature (2010-2019).

Anxiety disorders are the most common and impairing mental health problems across the lifespan. Familial factors are strongly implicated in the onset and maintenance of anxiety, but available evidence-based treatments are usually individual-focused. The aim of this review was to evaluate the current evidence base (2010-2019) of family based interventions addressing youth and adult anxiety and highlight findings comparing family based and individual-focused treatments. A systematic literature search was conducted. Articles were considered if they targeted primarily anxiety-related issues and utilized a randomized controlled trial design, resulting in 22 included youth studies. No adult studies met criteria for inclusion. Overall, family based treatments performed better than no-treatment controls and as well as individual-based interventions, with some evidence that family based interventions might outperform individual-based ones in certain populations (i.e., autism). Family based interventions may represent a good alternative for anxiety treatment in youth. Additional research on family based treatment for anxiety is adults is needed.