Is the computer game Pesky gNATs an effective intervention for children experiencing low mood or anxiety?

Technology-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy – a randomised controlled trial of Pesky gNATs for children

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN60159987

Enrollment

128

Registered

2019-04-02

Start date

2018-04-21

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2023-06-26

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Low mood and anxiety in children Mental and Behavioural Disorders

Interventions

Technology-assisted cognitive behavioural therapy programmes such as Pesky gNATs (O'Reilly & Coyle, 2015) have been demonstrated as feasible tools to include in working with young people, or adults wi

Cooney et al., 2017). This study will examine the effectiveness of Pesky gNATs for children with anxiety and low mood. Using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design, participants will be randomly

but 8 weeks is stated to allow for a screening session). Measures are collected at baseline (pre-intervention Time 1), post-intervention (Time 2), and at a 3-month follow-up (Time 3). Those allocate

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Aged 8 to 12 (inclusive). 2. Parent-reported/clinically significant levels of low mood and anxiety – score on CBCL in the clinical range on the internalising scale.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. Formal diagnosis of intellectual disability. 2. Other interpersonal difficulties that could adversely impact participation: active psychosis, significant cognitive difficulties, and English language difficulties.

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Levels of low mood and anxiety are measured using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) Age 6-18 (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001) – internalising score over a 6-month period.	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
1. Externalising psychological difficulty is measured using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) Age 6-18 (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001) – remaining scales over a 6 month period. 2. Behavioural competency and behavioural problems are measured using the Youth Self Report (YSR) Age 11-18 (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001) over a 6-month period. 3. Personal functioning, interpersonal relationships, social relationships and overall sense of wellbeing are measured using the Child Outcome Rating Scale (CORS) (Duncan, Miller and Sparks, 2003) during each level of Pesky gNATs. 4. The young person’s perception of the therapeutic alliance is measured using the Child Session Rating Scale (CSRS) (Duncan, Miller and Sparks, 2003) during each level of Pesky gNATs. 5. Anxiety and depression are measured using the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) (Chorpita et al., 2000) at the beginning (level 1) and end of Pesky gNATs (level 7).	—

Measure

Time frame

1. Externalising psychological difficulty is measured using the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) Age 6-18 (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001) – remaining scales over a 6 month period. 2. Behavioural competency and behavioural problems are measured using the Youth Self Report (YSR) Age 11-18 (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001) over a 6-month period. 3. Personal functioning, interpersonal relationships, social relationships and overall sense of wellbeing are measured using the Child Outcome Rating Scale (CORS) (Duncan, Miller and Sparks, 2003) during each level of Pesky gNATs. 4. The young person’s perception of the therapeutic alliance is measured using the Child Session Rating Scale (CSRS) (Duncan, Miller and Sparks, 2003) during each level of Pesky gNATs. 5. Anxiety and depression are measured using the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) (Chorpita et al., 2000) at the beginning (level 1) and end of Pesky gNATs (level 7).

—

Countries

Ireland

Contacts

Public ContactDarragh McCashin

darragh.mccashin@ucd.ie+35317161555

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026