Assessment and Treatment of Simple Phobias in Children: Effects on Family and Marital Relationships

This study evaluated a behavioural treatment package for simple phobias in children using a multiple baseline design across subjects. The participants were three adolescents presenting with a principal DSM-III-R diagnosis of Simple Phobia. One participant also met the criteria for Separation Anxiety Disorder. Results showed marked improvement (at posttreatment and 3 months follow-up) of the anxiety for all three adolescents, both at overt-behavioural and cognitive levels with no negative effects on family and dyadic adjustment. Theoretical considerations and prognoses are discussed.