MPNFS-based psychological intervention linked to reduced anxiety in adolescents with anxiety disorders

A retrospective cohort study evaluated a 6-week MPNFS-based integrative psychological intervention for adolescents with anxiety disorders at Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture People's Hospital. The study included 196 adolescents aged 10-18 years, comparing those receiving the intervention as part of routine clinical care to those receiving routine outpatient care alone. Primary outcomes were not reported, but secondary outcomes included multiple psychological and quality-of-life measures.

After 6 weeks, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvement in anxiety scores on the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale compared to the control group, with an estimated effect size of -7.5 points (95% CI -8.6 to -6.4, P < 0.001). Absolute numbers for score changes were not reported. Other secondary outcomes included depression, self-concept, parenting styles, family functioning, social support, and health-related quality of life, though specific results for these measures were not detailed in the provided data.

Safety and tolerability data were not reported, including adverse events, serious adverse events, or discontinuation rates. The study's key limitation is its retrospective, non-randomized design, which introduces potential confounding and selection bias. Funding sources and conflicts of interest were not reported. The findings represent an association rather than causation and should be interpreted cautiously. The single-center setting limits generalizability, and long-term effects beyond the 6-week follow-up are unknown. While the results suggest potential benefit for this specific integrative approach, they require confirmation in prospective, randomized trials before clinical implementation can be recommended.