Supporting someone with anxiety: what the latest research says

A 2020 review of 69 trials with 4,118 people found benefits of CBT for anxiety-related disorders generally persisted for six to twelve months. Evidence beyond a year was more limited and varied by condition [1]. A separate review of nine studies, with 532 people, found about one in four relapsed after CBT. Definitions and follow-up periods varied [2].

In an NHS service in England, 53% of 439 people who'd recovered after guided self-help for anxiety or depression relapsed within a year [3]. These are different populations and studies, so the figures do not show that brief treatment is less durable. A Dutch population study estimated a 16% chance of recurrence by twenty years since remission, using people's histories and assessments over six years. It did not follow everyone for twenty years [4]. None of these averages predicts what will happen to one person.

In the NHS study, people who still had mild symptoms of depression when treatment ended were about twice as likely to relapse [3]. The Dutch study also linked current depression with anxiety returning [4]. These findings make lingering low mood worth discussing, although research has not established a reliable way to predict everyone's relapse [2]. If their worry has settled but their mood hasn't, encourage them to say so before treatment ends.

Families often get drawn in without meaning to: answering the same worried question again, making calls for them, steering round places they fear. Researchers call this accommodation. In a 2024 study of 112 adults having CBT for generalised anxiety, every one said their partner did some of it, most often giving reassurance. More accommodation went with worse worry, and people whose partners cut back less during treatment did less well [5]. It shows a link, which can't prove cause. If they're in therapy, ask together what you could gradually do less of, and take one habit at a time. If they're very low or have talked about suicide, speak to their care team before changing anything.

SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) teaches parents to respond supportively while gradually reducing accommodation. In a US trial of 124 children aged 7 to 14, this structured parent-only programme met the researchers' criteria for being no worse than child CBT on anxiety outcomes at the end of treatment [6]. This is more than simply telling parents to step back.

A 2024 trial of 68 children and teenagers with anxiety or OCD compared standard SPACE with a book and four remote sessions. Both groups improved, with similar response rates; the small, short study does not establish that the versions are interchangeable [7]. A preliminary study also involved parents of highly dependent adult children [8]. That is not established evidence for treating adult anxiety generally. Programme developers were involved in these studies. An NHS children's team in north Nottinghamshire began a SPACE pilot in 2024 and reported on it in December 2025; ask the local team about current access [9].

A US study followed 319 people treated for anxiety in childhood, checking yearly for four years beginning four to twelve years after the original trial. That trial had included CBT, medication, their combination and placebo. During follow-up, 22% stayed free of anxiety disorders, 48% moved between remission and relapse, and 30% remained unwell [10]. These figures are not relapse rates after CBT alone. If difficulties return as a child grows up, encourage a fresh discussion with their care team or GP, rather than assuming the earlier treatment has settled things permanently.

There's not much research on what keeps anxiety away after treatment, but one US trial stands out. Of 379 people who began CBT for panic disorder, 157 responders were split into two groups: nine monthly top-up sessions, or check-ups only. By 21 months, 5% of the top-up group had relapsed, against 18% [11]. It's one trial, in panic disorder. A 2025 review of help to stay well after guided self-help for anxiety and depression found just three studies, all of monthly phone check-ins, plus two workbooks and an app [12]. Before treatment ends, ask whether follow-up sessions are possible, and help them keep their notes or workbook somewhere they'll find them.

A 2017 review of six trials with 262 people diagnosed with anxiety or stress-related disorders found exercise reduced anxiety by a moderate amount, although the evidence base was small [13]. In a Swedish trial, 286 primary-care patients were offered twelve weeks of group exercise or advice about physical activity. Both low-intensity and moderate-to-high-intensity exercise improved symptoms more than advice, with no clear difference in effect between the exercise groups [14]. These studies measured symptom improvement, not prevention of relapse. If they'd like company for an activity they enjoy, offer to go along.

NHS Talking Therapies in England can offer online CBT with practitioner or therapist support. NICE conditionally recommends Space from Anxiety and iCT-SAD while more evidence is collected, subject to the required NHS assessments and approvals [15]. In a UK trial of 102 people with social anxiety, there was no clear difference on the main outcome between iCT-SAD and face-to-face therapy, and online treatment used less than half the therapist time. That does not prove the treatments are equivalent [16]. Ask the local service what it offers and whether it would suit them.

An app-based CBT course for worry and anxiety, available free to adults aged 18 or over living in Scotland [17]. In a 2020 trial of 256 adults with generalised anxiety, it reduced symptoms more than a waiting list over six weeks. Big Health, which makes the app, funded the trial. This comparison does not establish how it performs against another treatment or whether it prevents long-term relapse [18].

An online CBT course that coaches parents of anxious 5 to 12 year olds, with therapist support. A 2024 trial involved 444 families in 34 child mental health services in England and Northern Ireland. At 26 weeks, OSI met the study's criteria for being no worse than usual care on parents' ratings of how anxiety affected their child's life, using about 40% less therapist time [19]. NICE permits conditional NHS use while further evidence is gathered [20], and the research team describes its use in NHS services [21]. Ask the child's team whether it is available and suitable.

Next check due: 3 November 2026. Details to check: Local service availability.

A phone game that helps children face fears in small steps. It is on the same conditional NICE list as OSI [20]. Access is free through participating local services; the provider lists Devon among areas where families can register [22]. A 2025 study examined how the app was used in disadvantaged areas, without a comparison group. It provides information about access and engagement, not proof that the app works better than other care [23].

Next check due: 3 November 2026. Details to check: Local access routes.

A charity for people with panic, phobias and anxiety. Its helpline, 0300 772 9844, is open 10am to 10pm every day, and carers can call too. Calls cost the same as a standard landline number. The charity also has information for carers [24].

Next check due: 3 November 2026. Details to check: Helpline and carer services.