Sertraline in children and adolescents with social anxiety disorder: An open trial

Objective: The aim of this open-label study was to assess the therapeutic b enefits, response pattern, and safety of sertraline in children with social anxiety disorder. Method: Fourteen outpatient subjects with a primary Axis I diagnosis of social anxiety disorder were treated in an 8-week open tria l of sertraline. Diagnostic and primary outcome measures included the Anxie ty Disorders interview Schedule for Children, Clinical Global Impressions s cale (CGI), Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory for Children, and a standar dized behavioral avoidance test. Results: As measured by the CGI (Improveme nt sub-Scale), 36% (5/14) of subjects were classified as treatment responde rs and 29% (4/14) as partial responders by the end of the 8-week trial. A s ignificant clinical response appeared by week 6. Self-report and behavioral measures showed significant clinical improvement into normal range across all domains measured. The mean dose of sertraline was 123.21 +/- 37.29 mg p er day. Sertraline was generally well tolerated. Conclusion: in open treatm ent, sertraline resulted in significant improvement in symptoms of childhoo d social anxiety disorder. Absolute response rates varied depending on rati ng scales used. Findings from this study are sufficiently strong to warrant a future multisite, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled of sertral ine for treatment of childhood social anxiety disorder.