Cognitive-behavioral group therapy for youths with anxiety disorders in the community: effectiveness in low and middle income countries.

Background: Although cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is established as a first line treatment for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, there is little evidence about the effectiveness of CBT protocols in cases identified in the community in low and middle income countries (LaMICs).

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of group CBT protocol for youths with anxiety disorders identified in a community sample in LaMICs.

Method: A total of 14 sessions of group CBT for youths and 2 concurrent sessions for parents based on Kendall's Coping Cat program were offered.