A child is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder if feelings of fear and worry significantly affect her life. Untreated anxiety disorder can cause problems in school and among peers, as well as affect the child's self-esteem, according to the National Mental Health Information Center.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
The National Mental Health Information Center states that children can be diagnosed with one of six different anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, phobias, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Prevalence
Anxiety disorders are one of the "most common mental, emotional and behavioral problems to occur during childhood and adolescence," according to the National Mental Health Information Center. Thirteen percent of children between the ages of nine and 17 are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
Medication Options
The most commonly prescribed form of medication for anxiety disorders in children, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs that are approved for children include Lexapro (escitalopram), Celexa (citalopram), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Paxil (paroxetine), Zoloft (sertraline) and Prozac (fluvoxetine).
Safety
In October 2004, the FDA issued a warning that SSRIs increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some children. As a result, children should be monitored closely when taking medication for anxiety disorders.
Considerations
The National Mental Health Information Center also notes that therapy, relaxation methods and biofeedback are additional treatment options, which can also be combined with medication.
