The diagnosis and treatment of adolescent anxiety disorders.
In adolescents, anxiety disorders may be manifested as juvenile anxiety syndromes, adult anxiety syndromes, or an adjustment disorder with anxious mood. In addition, depressive illnesses and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder often exist comorbidly with the primary anxiety disorder. The treatment of anxiety in adolescents should be multimodal, including psychotherapeutic and psychosocial interventions along with pharmacotherapy. Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors have been successful in most anxiety disorders, although both classes of drug are associated with significant adverse effects and require careful monitoring. Benzodiazepines are effective in juvenile anxiety disorders. Clonazepam's long duration of action and relatively benign side-effects profile make it an attractive agent in adolescent populations.
Biederman
J
J
Pediatric Psychopharmacology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002998:Clonazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012307:Risk Factors
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D002998:Clonazepam