Pharmacologic treatment for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders usually accompanied by significant morbidity. Cognitive-behavioral techniques and other psychotherapeutic interventions may be helpful for the treatment of anxiety disorders. However, for children and adolescents with severe symptoms, or fur whom psychotherapeutic approaches have been helpful, medications are indicated. in this case, among the available medications, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently the first choice. Other medications, such as benzodiazepines and the tricyclic antidepressants, may be used alone or sometimes in combination with SSRIs. Possible medication interactions and side effects should be monitored carefully. Further research of pharmacologic treatment of children and adolescents with anxiety disorders is warranted.