Follow-up research from the University of Turku reveals that a Finnish digital programme for children with anxiety not only offers sustained benefits but continues to improve their well-being over two years, highlighting its potential as a scalable, accessible treatment option.
A Finnish digital therapy programme for children with anxiety symptoms has shown benefits that not only last but appear to grow over time, according to follow-up research from the University of Turku.
The study tracked 465 children aged 10 to 13 who had been identified through school health checks as showing signs of anxiety. They were randomly assigned either to the “Master Your Worries” programme or to a control group that received online information about anxiety, wellbeing and healthy habits. While anxiety symptoms improved in both groups over time, the children who used the guided digital therapy improved more, and their day-to-day functioning also got better.
What stands out in the new follow-up is the length of the effect. Researchers found that the gains were still present after two years and were stronger at that point than at six months. Katri Kaajalaakso, a doctoral researcher at the University of Turku, said the difference could be seen in both children’s self-assessments and their parents’ reports at one and two years, and noted that the benefits continued to strengthen even after treatment had ended.
Professor Andre Sourander, the study’s principal investigator, said the findings suggest a delayed treatment effect, with the coping strategies taught in cognitive behavioural therapy gradually becoming part of family life. That may help explain why the programme kept working long after the 10-week intervention finished.
The researchers say the results matter because anxiety is common in school-age children and adolescents, and many do not get evidence-based treatment. The University of Turku team argues that programmes like “Master Your Worries” could complement existing services, especially when children are identified early through school health services or primary care. They also say the model may be particularly useful for families who live far from specialist care, since the child and parent take part from home with weekly telephone guidance.
Published research on the programme has already shown that it can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve quality of life in Finnish children, and the new follow-up adds unusually long-term evidence for internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy in this age group.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
