Final answer:
The most favorable treatment outcomes for child and adolescent anxiety occur with a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines. CBT has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, and medication can provide additional benefits when combined with CBT.
Step-by-step explanation:
The landmark study, the Child/Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Study (CAMS), found that the most favorable treatment outcomes occurred with a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. In this study, CBT was found to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety in children and adolescents. Medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines, was found to provide additional benefits when combined with CBT.
For example, a meta-analysis of psychotherapy to antidepressant medication in depression and anxiety disorders found that the combination of the two treatments was more effective than either treatment alone. This supports the findings of the CAMS study, which showed that the combination of CBT and medication led to the most favorable outcomes.
It is important to note that treatment outcomes may vary depending on the individual and the specific anxiety disorder being treated. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.