Anxiety is a common issue affecting youth. With more than 40% of children affected by chronic medical conditions and the resulting psychological impacts, many families struggle to find the most effective treatment to manage their child’s mental health concerns.

A recent study led by researchers from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and DePaul University finds in-person mental health treatment to be more successful for young patients, despite a growing number of apps and online support.

Natoshia Cunningham, associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine at MSU, in collaboration with Susan Tran, associate professor in the Department of Psychology at DePaul, found mental health treatment is better when technology complements, but does not replace, face-to-face therapy.

“Our research suggests the most effective psychological therapy is defined by the human connection,” said Cunningham. “This is something I’ve been shouting from the rooftops for years.”

Prior research has shown the most effective therapies for child anxiety are cognitive behavioral strategies, including relaxation and efforts to change thinking patterns. Cunningham’s study builds on that to highlight the importance of a live provider when addressing anxiety, particularly if a child has a chronic medical condition. 

Cunningham collaborated with eight other researchers on the study, which was an invited systematic review and meta-analysis, which appears in a special edition of the Journal of Pediatric Psychology.

Cunningham notes that childhood anxiety, if left unaddressed, can last into adolescence and early adulthood leading to additional mental health problems. Furthermore, her past work suggests anxiety in children with chronic health conditions is tied to greater functional impairment such as missed school days and social challenges.

“When a young patient is already battling a complicated diagnosis, anxiety and constant stress are not good for their health either,” said Cunningham.

More work is needed to improve mental health support for chronic conditions. Cunningham develops and tests tailored psychological treatment approaches to support youth with different conditions such as abdominal pain disorders and lupus.

Cunningham also is exploring options to train school nurses and other professionals who work with children in using cognitive behavioral strategies to manage symptoms. When possible, working with an appropriately trained provider may be the key ingredient for optimal care.