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Common Barriers to the Dissemination of Exposure Therapy for Youth with Anxiety Disorders

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Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of common barriers to the use of exposure therapy (ET) in the treatment of youth with anxiety disorders, specifically examining both logistical limitations and negative beliefs about ET. Results from 230 practicing clinicians who treat youth with anxiety disorders found that the top three barriers were session length (56%), lack of training (48%), and concern about parent reaction (47%). Endorsement of barriers to ET was associated with less ET utilization and less optimal implementation of ET. Results suggest that several barriers, especially logistical limitations, must be addressed in order to improve the dissemination of ET.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the practicing clinicians who took the time to participate in this study. They would also like to thank the research assistants of the Division of Medical Psychology Research Lab at the University of Florida who contributed to this project. This study was funded by two mini-grants to the PI from the Center for Pediatric Psychology and Family Studies at the University of Florida.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. OCD Institute for Children and Adolescents, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 23 Isaac St, Middleborough, MA, 02346, USA

    Adam M. Reid

  2. College of Medicine, University of Florida, 8491 NW 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL, 32606, USA

    Maria I. Bolshakova, Andrew G. Guzick, Alyka G. Fernandez, Catherine W. Striley, Gary R. Geffken & Joseph P. McNamara

  3. College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, 1225 Center Drive, P.O. Box 100185, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

    Andrew G. Guzick, Catherine W. Striley, Gary R. Geffken & Joseph P. McNamara

  4. College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida, 2014 Turlington Hall, P.O. Box 117300, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA

    Joseph P. McNamara

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  1. Adam M. Reid
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  2. Maria I. Bolshakova
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  3. Andrew G. Guzick
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  4. Alyka G. Fernandez
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  5. Catherine W. Striley
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  7. Joseph P. McNamara
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Correspondence to Adam M. Reid.

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Reid, A.M., Bolshakova, M.I., Guzick, A.G. et al. Common Barriers to the Dissemination of Exposure Therapy for Youth with Anxiety Disorders. Community Ment Health J 53, 432–437 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-017-0108-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-017-0108-9

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