Collaborative Approach Key to Tackling Childhood Anxiety and Depression

The rates of anxiety and depression among children have surged significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many parents feeling overwhelmed and powerless. Recent research published in the journal Children highlights the importance of a supportive, community-focused approach that involves not just the child but their entire family and social environment.

A study led by Dr. Kim Lee Kho at Murdoch University examined the effectiveness of Behavior Exchange and Systems Therapy—Foundations (BEST-F), a family-centered intervention designed for children aged 3–11. This approach emphasizes strengthening the parent-child relationship and integrating family dynamics into the therapy process. Developed in Melbourne and Perth by a team including Professor Andrew Lewis, the therapy aims to reduce internalized symptoms of anxiety and depression in children.

The research findings showed that involving parents and caregivers in therapy significantly decreases the severity of internalized emotional symptoms. Dr. Kho emphasized that the safety and trust fostered within therapy sessions are crucial, as they encourage open communication among family members. Participants in the study reported feeling heard and understood, which positively impacted their interactions both within the family and beyond.

A key insight from the study is that improvements within the family system tend to reinforce and continue to develop over time. When the entire family unit engages in therapy, outcomes are not limited to the child's mental health; they also promote better mental well-being for parents and improve overall family functioning.

This research underscores the role of the family environment in the transmission and management of emotional distress. As Dr. Almeida pointed out, caregiving environments can serve as powerful platforms for change, enabling children to develop better emotional regulation skills. The results suggest that family-based interventions like BEST-F could become pivotal in community mental health strategies for childhood anxiety and depression.

Parents involved in the therapy shared that experiencing empathy and understanding from therapists transformed their communication styles, which in turn encouraged their children to express their feelings openly. Such positive changes highlight the importance of involving the family holistic approach in treating mental health issues among children.

Dr. Kho expressed hope that these encouraging results will lead to larger clinical trials and broader community availability, ultimately providing more accessible treatment options for families affected by childhood anxiety and depression.

This innovative approach demonstrates the power of a 'village' in supporting a child's mental health, emphasizing the collective effort needed to foster resilience and emotional well-being in young children.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-village-childhood-anxiety-depression.html