Psychopharmacology of Pediatric Anxiety Disorders

Abstract

There are a number of pharmacological approaches used in treating pediatric anxiety disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are first line treatment, but there are many other treatment options for nonresponders including serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), benzodiazepines (BZDs), buspirone, and other investigational and augmenting agents. This chapter will examine the evidence base for the pharmacological treatment of pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), non-OCD anxiety disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, augmentation strategies and general clinical considerations are presented to aid in formulating an approach to both simple and complex patients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: chapter)