JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Anxiety is common among youths in primary care. Face-to-face treatment has been the first choice for clinicians, but during the Covid-19 pandemic digital psychological interventions have rapidly increased. Few studies have examined young people’s interest in Internet treatment or the attitudes they and their parents have towards it.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate adolescents’ and parents’ attitudes towards and experiences of Internet-based anxiety treatment in primary care and its presumptive effects.

Methods:

The study used mixed methods, analysing qualitative data thematically and quantitative data with non-parametric analysis. Participants were 14 adolescents and 14 parents recruited in adolescent primary healthcare clinics. The adolescents and their parents filled out mental health questionnaires before and after treatment and were interviewed during ongoing treatment.

Results:

The quantitative data indicate (1) that the internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy programme used in this study was successful in reducing symptoms (X2(2) = 8,333, P = 0.016) and (2) that adolescents’ motivation is essential to the treatment outcome (r=.58, P= 0.031). The qualitative results show that youths highly value their independence and freedom to organize treatment work on their own terms. The parents expressed uncertainty about their role and how to support their child in treatment. It was important for parents to respect the youths’ need for autonomy, while also engaging with them in the treatment work.

Conclusions:

Internet treatment in primary care is accepted by both youths and their parents, who need clarification about the difference between their role and the therapist’s. Patient motivation should be considered before treatment and therapists need to continue to develop the virtual alliance. Finally, primary care should be clearer in informing adolescents and their parents about the possibility of Internet treatment.