Pharmacotherapy for Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Ian Kodish, Carol Rockhill, Sheryl Ryan, Chris Varley

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Anxiety disorders comprise the most prevalent mental health disorders among children and adults. Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy are effective in improving clinical impairments from anxiety disorders and maintaining these improvements. This article discusses how to obtain a suitable diagnosis for anxiety disorders in youth for implementing appropriate treatments, focusing on the evidence base for pharmacologic treatment. Clinical guidelines are discussed, including Food and Drug Administration indications and off-label use of medications, and considerations for special populations and youth with comorbidities are highlighted. Findings suggest moderate effectiveness of medication, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, in the treatment of anxiety disorders in youth.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)55-72
Number of pages18
JournalPediatric Clinics of North America
Volume58
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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