Group CBT in Parents of Children With Food Allergy

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, KANSAS CITY · Nov 13, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on parents of children with serious food allergies. The goal is to see if participating in six online therapy sessions can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, and improve the overall quality of life for these parents. Some parents will take part in the therapy groups, while others will be placed on a waitlist and will not participate immediately.

To be eligible for this study, parents must be at least 18 years old and have a child between 6 and 17 years old who has a medically diagnosed food allergy. Parents should also have signs of anxiety or depression but must be stable on any medications for at least a month before and during the study. It's important to note that parents who are currently in treatment for severe mental health issues or using certain medications may not qualify. Participants can expect to engage in six weekly online sessions where they will learn coping strategies and share experiences with others in similar situations, along with providing feedback through questionnaires. This study aims to enhance understanding of how group therapy can support families dealing with food allergies.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Parent, age \>18yrs
• • 2. All genders
• • 3. Child must be aged 18 months - 17yrs with serious food allergy(ies), medically diagnosed
• • 4. Meets cut-offs for anxiety and/or depression on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (need to define)
• • 5. Parent can be on stable doses of antidepressants or anxiety medications but all doses must remain stable for 1 month before study and during it as well as for 2 months after the groups are completed: to fill out final questionnaires
• • 6. Both parents of a child may enroll but will need to agree to fill out all questionnaires separately without discussing them with each other
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Parental history of recent suicidal ideation / suicide attempt
• • 2. Current Suicidal ideation
• • 3. Current substance abuse
• • 4. Parent currently in psychiatric treatment and medications being adjusted
• • 5. Using OTC anxiety or depression relief, or CBD or medical marijuana
• • 6. Parent receiving other therapies or group supports
• • 7. Parent unable to attend 6 consecutive weekly group sessions and fill out questionnaires online also 2 months later or does not have access to WiFi.