Tratamento do transtorno de ansiedade social em crianças e adolescentes

Abstract

Background: Social anxiety disorder is a debilitating, highly prevalent disorder in children and adolescents with lifetime prevalence rates, according to DSM-IV criteria, ranging from 0.7% to 3.5%. If left untreated, it can interfere with emotional, social, and school functioning. Objective: To evaluate the current evidence for efficacy and effectiveness of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions in the treatment of social anxiety disorder in children and adolescents. Methods: Searches were undertaken through PubMed, Lilacs, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library until august 2006, using the terms "social anxiety disorder" OR "social phobia" AND "child*" AND "adolesc*". Results: Several treatment modalities, including psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments have been proposed for the treatment of this disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy, mainly with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are the treatments of choice for social anxiety disorder in this age. Conclusion: Although several treatments have been proposed, further studies are necessary to improve outcomes in affected children and adolescents with social anxiety disorder.