PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH ANXIETY DISORDERS

Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders usually accompanied by significant morbidity. Cognitive-behavioral tec hniques and other psychotherapeutic interventions may be helpful for t he treatment of anxiety disorders. However, for children and adolescen ts with severe symptoms, or fur whom psychotherapeutic approaches have been helpful, medications are indicated. in this case, among the avai lable medications, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently the first choice. Other medications, such as benzodiaze pines and the tricyclic antidepressants, may be used alone or sometime s in combination with SSRIs. Possible medication interactions and side effects should be monitored carefully. Further research of pharmacolo gic treatment of children and adolescents with anxiety disorders is wa rranted.