Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health problems faced by children and adolescents. These conditions can negatively impact their performance at home, at school, and in social interactions. Identifying the most effective behavioral and psychiatric treatments for these disorders is crucial. This study examines the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating anxiety in children and adolescents. Many of the studies reviewed presented methodological and theoretical limitations, and have some issues such as small sample sizes, weak comparisons with previous research, inadequate explanations, and the lack of reference to advanced statistical methods and monitoring strategies. Most studies did not adhere to international standards for clinical trial reporting. The overall results suggest that CBT has a weak to moderate effect, but addressing the identified theoretical and methodological challenges could lead to a more accurate assessment of the effectiveness of CBT in treating anxiety disorders in younger populations.
