Pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents

Anxiety disorders are among the most common of childhood psychiatric disorders, which may be associated with low self-esteem, substance abuse, depression, social isolation, inadequate social skills, and academic difficulties. The aim of the presented article is to review the drug treatment of anxiety disorders. Selected papers and books regarding to drug treatment of anxiety disorders were reviewed. Currently the selective serotonin receptor inhibitors are the first choice for the short-term treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescent, because they have been shown to be effective and safe. It is recommended to begin the treatment with very low doses and increase gradually to avoid side effects and compromise the adherence to treatment. The medication should be administered at therapeutic dosages for least 6 weeks to decide effectiveness of the treatment. The studies on drug treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescent are scarce. More well designed, double blind, placebo controlled studies on drug treatment of anxiety disorder are required.