Although all children experience temporary anxiety during their development, anxiety disorder describes a group of psychological disorders characterized by a continuing state of fear, nervousness or worry. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America estimates that one in eight children suffers from some form of anxiety disorder. If left untreated, anxiety disorders increase the risk of substance abuse, poor performance in school and having a negative impact on social development. Doctors utilize several treatment options, including various types of medications that can help children effectively manage their anxiety.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor—SSRI—describes a specific classification of antidepressant medication. Usually prescribed to treat depression, doctors prescribe SSRIs as a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders in children and adults, according to the Anxiety disorders Association of America. SSRI medications, such as fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine and citalopram, increase the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Increasing serotonin enhances the ability of nerves to send signals therefore improving mood.
SSRI medications can cause side effects including agitation, nausea, diarrhea and weight gain. These medications can also cause suicidal behavior, especially in children and adolescents, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, a group of medications commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms and epilepsy, include medications such as alprazolam, clonazepam, and lorazepam. Although doctors typically consider benzodiazepines as safe and effective for treating anxiety disorders, especially panic disorder and social anxiety disorder, these medications can cause many side effects, especially with long-term use, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Benzodiazepines cause drowsiness, making them difficult to take during the day for children. When taken for long periods of time, such as for treating a chronic anxiety disorder, the effectiveness of the drug decreases. This means that the dose must increase in order to effectively treat the anxiety, which can lead to dependency.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine and hydroxizine, block the neurotransmitter known as histamine from binding to receptors. This causes a rapid onset of sedation, which relieves anxiety symptoms. Although antihistamines decrease hyperarousal, they have very little effect on the psychic anxiety, according to the Lundbeck Institute.
Antihistamines cause many types of side effects including weakness, lack of coordination, the inability to concentrate, frequent urination, heart palpitations and low blood pressure. In spite of these side effects, doctors still prescribe antihistamines because they rapidly reduce acute anxiety symptoms, they can be prescribed as a one-time or long-term dose, and they possess no potential for abuse.
