Both SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders; however, CBT is considered to be the treatment of choice in children over the age of 6 and for adolescents.[1, 2] If the child or adolescent does not respond completely to CBT, then medications can be added. Obsessive-compulsive disorder has been found to respond to drug therapy.[3]
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1. |
Compton SN, March JS, Brent D, Albano AMV, Weersing R, Curry J. 2004.Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Anxiety and Depressive Disorders in Children and Adolescents: An Evidence-Based Medicine Review. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; 43(8): 930-959. |
| 2. |
James A, Soler A, Weatherall R. Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD004690. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004690.pub2. |
| 3. |
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 1999. Mental Health: A Report to the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. |
