Symptoms of childhood anxiety include worry, distress, anxiety, fear and panic. Four anxiety disorders affecting children include generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, separation anxiety and panic disorder. Symptoms range from mild to debilitating and may include physical symptoms such as headache, palpitations, trembling, sweating and stomachache. Treatment options for childhood anxiety generally include cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. Early treatment of anxiety in children, states HealthyPlace.com, prevents future mental health problems, including attempted suicide.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Originally developed to treat symptoms of depression, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may help children suffering from anxiety disorders. Mental health professionals generally begin with low doses of an antidepressant, and then slowly increase the dosage. SSRI medications include sertraline, escitalopram, citalopram, fluoxetine and paroxitine. SSRI advantages include low side effects and relative safety regarding overdose. Anxiety disorders treated with fluoxetine show improvement, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). As directed by the FDA, beginning in 2005, all antidepressant medications carry a warning advising of the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts in children and adolescents taking antidepressant medications.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Some children suffering from anxiety disorders benefit from tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) medications. In particular, the AACAP reports that some children and adolescents with panic disorder benefit from taking tricyclic antidepressants. Examples of TCAs include imipramine and clomipramine.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, recommended only for short-term usage, according to the AACAP, work quicker than antidepressants. This type of medication works on the brain and central nervous system to create a calming effect. Examples of benzodiazepines include alprazolam, clonazepam and lorazepam. Children tolerate benzodiazepines with few adverse effects, however there is a potential for dependency. Side effects include drowsiness and sedation, along with a decrease in mental acuity.
Others
Beta-blockers, used to treat the physical symptoms of anxiety such as trembling, sweating and shaking, are not recommended for children unless other medications and treatments have failed. Beta-blocker medications work to block the flow of adrenalin. Examples include atenolol and propranolol. Case reports on buspirone, another medication, suggest some anti-anxiety effects in children.
References
- American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry: Summary of the Practice Parameters for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorder
- HealthyPlace.com: Medication Effective in Treating Anxiety Disorders in Children and Adolescents
- Anxiety Disorders Association of America: Treating Children
- NIMH: Mental Health Medications
