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Anxiety disorders in today's youth are both prevalent and debilitating, requiring effective interventions. 

In a recent study, researchers looked into the neural mechanisms associated with the alleviation of symptoms in unmedicated pediatric anxiety patients undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT. 

The study, conducted as part of two randomized clinical trials testing the efficacy of adjunctive computerized cognitive training, employed functional MRI to analyze brain activity.

Before receiving therapy, the children's brains showed differences in certain areas compared to their healthy peers. Surprisingly, after undergoing CBT, a common treatment for anxiety, their brains seemed to normalize in some areas related to attention. However, another part of the brain, associated with emotions, remained heightened even after therapy. 

The study also looked at a group of kids at risk for anxiety, suggesting that the positive changes observed in the therapy group were not just a result of the passage of time. These findings provide crucial insights into the neurological impact of CBT on pediatric anxiety, paving the way for targeted and more effective interventions in the future. 

The role of brain imaging

Clinical psychologist Bonnie Zucker has explained that understanding how the brain responds to treatments like CBT can advance therapy, and one way to understand this is through brain imaging. This is not only for anxiety but for other mental health concerns as well. Zucker recalled a similar study from 2010, where symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD in participants were reduced after undergoing CBT. This was reflected through significant improvements in the brain after the treatment.

Recognizing the significant impact on brain functioning may sway skeptics, who view anxiety as solely biological, to consider non-medication options like CBT. Zucker believes such studies can enhance the credibility of therapies like CBT, promoting mental health parity, where insurance companies are more willing to reimburse therapists and clients at a higher level. This may also help provide broader accessibility to effective treatments.