Making it stick: Using memory rehearsal to improve exposure therapy outcomes for childhood anxiety disorders.

2023 MRFF Childhood Mental Health Research

Outcomes for child anxiety treatment are suboptimal. Exposure therapy is the key technique to reduce anxiety and involves facing the feared situation to learn that it is safe (i.e., safety learning). However, safety learning can be forgotten, and fears come back. This clinical trial will assess whether rehearsal of safety learning after exposure therapy enhances outcomes and prevents relapse. Results will advance understanding of treatment mechanisms and optimise child anxiety treatment.