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Factors Associated With Parental Consent to use D-Cycloserine for Child Anxiety

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 May 2017

Simon P. Byrne*
Affiliation:
Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Ronald M. Rapee
Affiliation:
Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Naomi Sweller
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
*
Address for correspondence: Simon P. Byrne, Yale Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Rd, New Haven, CT, USA 06520. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

This study examined factors influencing parent willingness to use D-Cycloserine (DCS) for treating child anxiety. N = 222 parents were given information about using DCS to treat anxiety. They were then asked to rate their willingness to allow their child to take DCS/antibiotics for mild anxiety, severe anxiety, or an infection. The associations between willingness to use DCS and parental trait anxiety, demographics, as well as specific concerns regarding the medication, were examined. Parents could also provide written responses regarding their attitudes to DCS, which were analysed for themes. Parents reported concerns regarding potential side-effects from DCS. More severe anxiety was associated with more willingness to consent; however, parents were more willing to use antibiotics to treat an infection than DCS to treat their child's anxiety. The degree of perceived benefit from DCS was most strongly associated with parents’ willingness to use it. Overall, parents expressed mixed views, reporting they would consider using DCS to treat their child; however, they had significant concerns about it. Results suggest providing parents with information explaining how DCS works, its risks and potential benefits may increase its acceptability.

Type
Standard Papers
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2017 

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